Janna Kelly, 60 Grand Rapids,[Body Found] MI MSG Since 12-4-2007

[Grande]

Missing Grand Rapids woman's vehicle found

http://i17.tinypic.com/85396xi.jpg

GRAND RAPIDS -- Less than a mile from where co-workers found the purse of a missing woman, police discovered her abandoned car Thursday and were combing it for clues to her disappearance.

Jana Kelly, 60, hasn't been seen or heard from since about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Her failure to arrive at work Wednesday raised suspicions among fellow insurance-agency workers, who alerted police.

Kelly's 2006 Acura was found along Louise Street SE, near Ottawa Hills High School, about 10 p.m. Thursday, Grand Rapids police Lt. Paul Warwick said.

Evidence technicians were to scour the vehicle for anything that could explain her absence, Warwick said.

Kelly's business partner, Thomas Burr, fears the worst has happened to his friend of 31 years, saying she is "totally predictable." She would not leave without telling anyone, Burr said.

"I'm just sick," he said.

Friends and police said it could be a sign of foul play that Kelly's personal items were found in the trash near a business along Burton Street SE.

"People usually don't leave those things," Warwick said of credit cards and identification found in Kelly's purse.

Kelly co-owns the Burr & Co. insurance agency in Grand Rapids.

"She's been a friend," Burr said. "She has been my right arm, and my left arm, for a long, long time. I'm still reeling. I don't know what happened to her."

Burr, who has owned the agency for 35 years, recalled hiring Kelly more than three decades ago. She had good work experience and is friendly -- "the kind of people I want," he said.

"She was with me 31 years, one month, three days," he said.

Kelly's family did not want to comment but pleaded for the public to look for her.

Burr said he was the last person to see Kelly when the pair left work Tuesday.

She was to make a quick stop at a nearby store, then planned to go home, Burr and police said.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-39/1197038876100920.xml&coll=6

[Grande]

Scent Dogs Help In Search For Missing Woman
December 8, 2007 - 2:07PM

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) Scent tracking dogs joined the search for missing business woman Janna Kelly. Kelly left her workplace off the east Beltline and arrived home on Heathcliff Tuesday night. Her wallet was found in a car wash off Burton on Wednesday.

Then Thursday night, her car was found at Louise and Plymouth. Police and search teams set up at the corner of Burton and Breton Friday night. Then spread out to those key locations, hoping to find any trace of Jenna.

Private search and rescue teams used bloodhounds in the areas around Kelly's home, and the spot where her wallet and car were found.

The search ended at around 9:30p.m. Friday with no significant breakthroughs. Earlier Friday, some of Kelly's co-workers conducted a search of their own.

They walked through the woods and cemetery just down the street from where Kelly's car was discovered Thursday night.

"We're always hopeful. When you get to the point you found her car, you found her purse, it doesn't look good,” said co-worker Gregg Henderson.

If you have any information that can bring these cases to a close call silent observer at 1-800-554-3633.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/search_1345389___article.html/kelly_car.html

[Kaylynn]

GRAND RAPIDS -- Bloodhounds have been brought in to help in the search for a woman mysteriously missing for days.

Police have set up a command center in the parking lot of Breton Village. Officers are using the dogs around Breton Road and Burton Street - an area they have already searched - to make sure they haven't overlooked something.

The car belonging to Janna Kelly, 60, was found late Thursday night in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood just off Plymouth Avenue near Louise Street. Neighbors said the car had been there several nights and called police after hearing the description on the news.

But police told 24 Hour News 8 the car is providing no clues into her disappearance. The Grand Rapids Police Department said there appears to be no sign of foul play in the car.

Penny McDermott knows Janna Kelly's boyfriend, Earl Lynn. He is the grandfather of McDermott's 10-year-old son, and she said her son called Janna "Grandma."

McDermott said Kelly and Lynn were thinking about marriage after they started dating this spring. She said Lynn was a West Michigan truck driver who retired to Florida. His wife died this spring, and the two started dating shortly after.

Lynn could not be reached for comment, but a vehicle from Florida was in front of her house Friday afternoon. Members of her family were also at the house, and they declined to comment.

A $10,000 reward has been offered for information in the case. So if you know anything, you are asked to call police or Silent Observer.

==========

When Janna Kelly never showed up for work on Wednesday, her co-workers at the Burr Insurance Agency, which she co-owns, knew something was wrong.

Timeline:

* Last seen Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
* Went home, confirmed by
shopping receipt at house
* Her slippers are missing
* No answer when boyfriend called
at 8:30 p.m.
* Wednesday, her purse,
jacket found at dumpster at
nearby car wash
* Her wallet found inside the car wash.
Cash gone, credit cards there
* Car found at Louise & Plymouth
late Thursday night

The situation became more suspicious when her purse and jacket were found at a dumpster outside a nearby car wash. Her jacket and purse were both found inside the trash bin at the car wash on Burton Street near Kalamazoo Avenue, while her wallet was found inside the car wash itself. Her credit cards were there, but no cash was inside.

Kelly was last seen around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when she left her office and went to Michael's craft store on 28th Street. Investigators say she made it home from there because there was a store receipt at her residence.

Her boyfriend tried to call her at 8:30 p.m. but there was no answer.

There were no signs of foul play at her home. Her bed was turned down, the lights were on and the house was locked.

Kelly's co-workers say she did not usually go out after she got home, and that she was a very careful woman, having been single for several years.

"Janna raised her daughter by herself at a very young age," co-worker Greg Henderson said. "She was a partner in this business and did incredibly well for herself and took care of her daughter as well. She's very close to her family, and she's not the person to be out driving around the area at night...it doesn't make any sense to us that she would be in a compromising position."

Her co-workers have been working frantically tracking down leads and searching the area for any clues.

One clue, co-workers said, is someone tampered with a deadbolt in the insurance agency Kelly co-owns Monday night.

Kelly also won a $3,000 judgment against a former tenant in a duplex she leases that is located behind her house. Police confirm they have interviewed that woman.

"It's obviously a struggle," said Henderson. "We have five people from the office working on this, trying to get clues to help the police in any way we can. It's not looking good at this point."

Her co-workers also said they are receiving many calls, including one from an out-of-state psychic.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to follow this story.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7458210&nav=menu44_2

[Grande]

Search for missing GR woman expands
Posted: Dec 12, 2007 03:13 PM CST
Updated: Dec 12, 2007 06:35 PM CST

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP -- Authorities conducted an active search Wednesday for a Grand Rapids woman who went missing last week.

Janna Kelly, 60, didn't show up for work at the Burr Insurance Agency Dec. 5.

Her car was found a day later in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood just off Plymouth Avenue near Louise Street in Grand Rapids. Police said there appears to be no sign of foul play in the car. Her purse and wallet were also found about a mile away from her house.

Authorities told 24 Hour News 8 they received a strong tip and a search began around 9 a.m. Wednesday near New Holland Street and 136th Avenue in Ottawa County's Holland Township.

They even used a helicopter at one point during the search, which covered a six to 10 square mile area. But investigators did not find any new clues.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7488045

[Grande]

Breaking developments in the case of a missing Grand Rapids woman

December 12, 2007 - 5:43PM
OTTAWA COUNTY (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - 60 year-old Janna Kelly was reported missing last week Wednesday after she never showed up for work.

Wednesday night, police found her wallet at a self-serve car wash near the intersection of Burton and Kalamazoo, and her purse in a dumpster nearby.

Her car was found the next day in a neighborhood about a half-mile away - but still no sign of Janna.

Wednesday, Grand Rapids Police received a strong lead pointing them in the direction of Olive Township, in Ottawa County.

A Grand Rapids Police Captain tells Newschannel 3 that search crews from Michigan State Police, Ottawa County and Kent County used search dogs and even a helicopter to search part of the Township throughout the day, and planed to search until nightfall.

Police are unable to release specific details about the tip or exactly where the search was going on, for fear of jeopardizing their search.

If you have any information in Janna's disappearance, call the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, or Silent Observer.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/police_1345500___article.html/search_county.html

[Grande]

No plans to resume search for missing woman
Posted by The Grand Rapids Press December 13, 2007 14:03PM
Categories: Breaking News

OLIVE TOWNSHIP -- After searching Ottawa County cornfields and wooded areas Wednesday for a missing Grand Rapids businesswoman, investigators do not expect to continue their search in this rural township north of Holland, police said today.

Janna Kelly, co-owner of Burr Insurance, disappeared Dec. 5 after she left work and ran an errand. Police, acting on a "credible" information, searched an area along railroad tracks west of U.S. 31.

Police on foot and in a helicopter looked for clues but did not find anything, Grand Rapids police said. Investigators have also searched the Ottawa Hills area where her car and personal items have been found.

http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2007/12/no_plans_to_resume_search_for.html

[The Kitchen Guy]

UPDATE: Search for Janna Kelly turns up nothing in Ottawa County

Link: WZZM Television, Grand Rapids, MI (http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=84963)

OTTAWA COUNTY - The search for a Grand Rapids woman has turned up nothing in Ottawa County.

Grand Rapids Police and Ottawa County deputies searched areas in West Olive and Holland Township Wednesday for 60-year-old Janna Kelly.

Wyatt Neil is Janna Kelly's older brother. The family spent the day at Kelly's home waiting for word on the search that lead Grand Rapids police to Ottawa County.

“The worse week of my life absolutely, " Neil says.

Ottawa County deputies as well as civilian volunteers started their search Wednesday morning and worked through 4:45 p.m.

"Information on that investigation has lead us out here to follow up on some leads and to be anymore specific on that I'm not going to be at this time," says Lt. Paul Warwick of the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Neil says as far as he or the family is aware, Kelly had no connection to West Olive or Holland Township, where crews searched.

"We talked on a regular basis, we saw her on a regular basis. Her boyfriend from Florida talks to her every night and every morning so if she was going to see a friend or something she would have let one of us know," Neil says.

Kelly is the vice president of Burr Insurance Agency. The last time anyone saw her was last Tuesday, when she was leaving work.

Last Wednesday, Kelly's wallet and credit cards were found on the ground at a car wash near Kalamazoo and Burton. Her purse was found in the car wash's dumpster.

Last Thursday, Kelly's car was found at the intersection near Plymouth and Louise streets, but police say there were no solid clues leading them to the missing woman.

Saturday, police searched with bloodhounds in Grand Rapids, and still no sign of Janna Kelly even in Ottawa County.

"Nothing that we can say that will lead us to her location at this time," said Lt. Warwick.

Neil says today's search keeps them hopeful.

"If anybody has any information at all please call we plead that they call Silent Observer, other than that continue to pray, that's all a family can ask,” he says.

[The Kitchen Guy]

Ottawa Co. search ends for missing Grand Rapids woman, Janna Kelly
Updated: 12/12/2007 11:29:03 PM
Link: WZZM Television, Grand Rapids, MI (http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=84954)

West Olive Township - The search for missing Grand Rapids woman in Ottawa County has ended for the night.

Authorities spent the afternoon in West Olive Township looking for 60 year old Janna Kelly who disappeared last week.

Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies and Port Sheldon Police assisted in the search.

Kelly's co-workers found her purse and wallet at a car wash in southeast Grand Rapids Last week, shortly after her disappearance on December 4th.

Authorities tell WZZM 13 News they found nothing during today's search. At this point we don't know what lead police to West Olive Township.

[Heidi J.]

Why has there not been anything in the news? Her family must be so worried!

[Kami]

Why has there not been anything in the news? Her family must be so worried!

This is the first time I've heard of it as well.:(

[The Kitchen Guy]

Why has there not been anything in the news? Her family must be so worried!

See my post just above yours. When there are no new developments, there is no news.

Your comment could be made about any of the people listed in any of our missing threads, but that's why we're here - we are all searching for anything that could reopen any one of the cases here.

[Audie]

Why has there not been anything in the news? Her family must be so worried!ITA, Heidi.

[Grande]

Still no sign of Janna Kelly; family holding onto hope

Posted: Dec 18, 2007 08:48 PM CST

GRAND RAPIDS -- It has been two weeks and there is still no sign of missing Grand Rapids resident Janna Kelly.

"There's been a lot of tears and worrying," Lori Trutsch, Kelly's sister, told 24 Hour News 8.

Kelly went missing December 4. It is believed she left work at Burr & Co. insurance near Burton Street and the East Beltline, made a purchase at Michales craft store, and then went to her home near Burton Street and Breton Avenue.

Kelly's house was not disturbed. Her car was found two days later parked near Burton Street and Plymouth Avenue. Her purse was found near Burton Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.

"And we would just like people that live in those areas to think about Tuesday, December 4th in the evening. Anything they may have seen or heard to call Silent Observer," Trutsch said.

While the family is passing out fliers and focusing their search efforts in the area around Kelly's home and office, police are leaving no lead unchecked.

Last week, the investigation took them to Ottawa County's Holland Township.

Police K-9 units acted on a separate tip in Ottawa County on Monday when a resident noticed a suspicious vehicle leaving a two track during a time police say could be significant to the investigation.

Both searches turned up nothing.

"We trust the Grand Rapids Police Department. We know they're working very hard," said Trutsch.

So for now, the family continues to search and reflect.

"I can't imagine anyone wanting to do her harm. We just want her home for Christmas, safe and sound because we love her very much and miss her."

Trutsch asks anyone with information on the whereabouts of her sister to contact police or Silent Observer.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7516119&nav=menu44_2

[Grande]

Missing woman's family prays for holiday miracle
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
By John AgarThe Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- Janna Kelly's family has only one Christmas wish: her safe return home.

"I'm praying for a Christmas miracle," her brother, Wyatt Neil, said Tuesday, two weeks after her disappearance.

His sister, co-owner of Burr & Co. insurance agency, has been missing since Dec. 4.

Kelly left work that night, apparently stopped at an arts-and-crafts store and then went to her Heathcliff Drive SE condominium.

She didn't arrive for work the next morning. Her personal items -- wallet, purse and jacket -- were found that day outside a Burton Street SE car wash.

Her car turned up less than a mile away a day later.

Police considered it unusual her personal items, including credit cards, were intact if she was robbed.

Grand Rapids police major case detectives have been investigating her disappearance. Their searches have included a wooded area in Ottawa County's Olive Township a cemetery, golf course, railroad tracks and streets in Kent County.

Police have enlisted bloodhounds, helicopters and people on foot to help. A $10,000 reward has been offered.

Kelly's co-workers fear the worst. But the empty searches are seen as hopeful signs for her family.

Neil believes police are doing everything possible to find his sister.

"There's a lot of things going on they can't tell us," he said. "We're certainly convinced they're doing everything they can.

"After meeting the family, and seeing my sister's (home), they realize this is something that is out of the ordinary."

Kelly's business partner, Thomas Burr, called Neil the morning Kelly did not show for work. Those at her office were concerned because the 60-year-old, who looked after her workers, was known to be "totally predictable."

Kelly grew up in Caledonia, where she has many family members and friends. Many have helped with searches and offered prayers, buoying the family.

Her daughter, Dana, is distraught. The two have a close relationship.

"It's a very difficult time for her friends, family and the community, just before Christmas," her brother said.

She loves Christmas, Neil said.

Every year, she had a family celebration in her home, packed with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is generous with her time. She is always will to help out, her brother said.

He considers her "one of my best friends."

So does his wife, Jeanne. The women have been friends about 50 years.

The couple remain positive.

If she came back safely, it would be the "greatest Christmas ever," her brother said.

"This is the season of miracles," Jeanne Neil said.

"We just pray that we get her home."

Anyone with information can call police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. The reward is available for details that help Kelly return safely to her family, or for the arrest of a suspect if her disappearance is found to be a crime.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-39/1198075654319340.xml&coll=6&thispage=3

[Heidi J.]

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7516119

GRAND RAPIDS -- It has been two weeks and there is still no sign of missing Grand Rapids resident Janna Kelly.

"There's been a lot of tears and worrying," Lori Trutsch, Kelly's sister, told 24 Hour News 8.

Kelly went missing December 4. It is believed she left work at Burr & Co. insurance near Burton Street and the East Beltline, made a purchase at Michales craft store, and then went to her home near Burton Street and Breton Avenue.

Kelly's house was not disturbed. Her car was found two days later parked near Burton Street and Plymouth Avenue. Her purse was found near Burton Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.

"And we would just like people that live in those areas to think about Tuesday, December 4th in the evening. Anything they may have seen or heard to call Silent Observer," Trutsch said.

While the family is passing out fliers and focusing their search efforts in the area around Kelly's home and office, police are leaving no lead unchecked.

Last week, the investigation took them to Ottawa County's Holland Township.

Police K-9 units acted on a separate tip in Ottawa County on Monday when a resident noticed a suspicious vehicle leaving a two track during a time police say could be significant to the investigation.

Both searches turned up nothing.

"We trust the Grand Rapids Police Department. We know they're working very hard," said Trutsch.

So for now, the family continues to search and reflect.

"I can't imagine anyone wanting to do her harm. We just want her home for Christmas, safe and sound because we love her very much and miss her."

Trutsch asks anyone with information on the whereabouts of her sister to contact police or Silent Observer

[Grande]

Facebook plea may help find missing GR woman
Posted by The Grand Rapids Press
January 04, 2008 08:05AM
Categories: Breaking News

GRAND RAPIDS -- The family of a Grand Rapids woman missing since Dec. 4 has turned to the Internet in hopes it leads to clues in her disappearance.

The website Facebook.com has a page, "Please Help Find My Aunt," devoted to Janna Kelly, 60, the co-owner of Burr & Co. insurance agency.

Kelly didn't show for work Dec. 5. Her personal items turned up later that day outside of a Burton Street SE car wash. The next day, police found her car less than a mile away. Police considered it unusual that her purse and wallet were found intact if she was victim of a robbery.

Police have searched several places in Kent and Ottawa counties for clues to her disappearance.

On Facebook.com, a niece wrote: "We haven't given up the search and we don't want any of you to either. I'm asking you, especially those living in the Grand Rapids area, to take a few extra minutes to think or search anywhere you think she might be."

Her family remained hopeful she is still alive, but "We are confused and our hearts are weary. We still have hope that she will come home safely and we are praying for answers. Please, help find my aunt."

Anyone with information can call police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. A $10,000 reward is available for details that help Kelly return safely to her family, or for the arrest of a suspect if her disappearance is found to be a crime.

http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/facebook_plea_may_help_find_mi.html

[KittyMom]

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=85785

[PinkPony]

People don't just disappear off the face of the earth.

Where are you Janna?

[KittyMom]

pross@wzzm13.com

This is the email for a reporter with WZZM13 that reported on Janna's story. I've emailed him asking for updates. Maybe others can do the same.

[Grande]

pross@wzzm13.com

This is the email for a reporter with WZZM13 that reported on Janna's story. I've emailed him asking for updates. Maybe others can do the same.

Consider it done, thank you!

[KittyMom]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6990099071

This is a facebook site started by Janna's niece.

[Rockdog]

pross@wzzm13.com

This is the email for a reporter with WZZM13 that reported on Janna's story. I've emailed him asking for updates. Maybe others can do the same.

On my way, thank you for the link.

[Rockdog]

:bump:

[KittyMom]

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7818985&nav=menu44_2_3

She has been missing for two months. There are clues of her purse and car, but no signs of Kelly herself.

It is believed Kelly left work at Burr & Company, near Burton and East Beltline on December 4, made a purchase at Michael's Craft Store on 28th Street and then went to her home near Burton and Breton.

Her car was found two days later by investigators parked near Burton and Plymouth, and her purse was discovered near Burton and Kalamazoo, but there have been no other signs of Kelly.

[LisaKay]

Police out of tips in disappearance
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
GRAND RAPIDS -- Two months after the disappearance of Grand Rapids businesswoman Janna Kelly, police say tips have run dry. Police hold out hope she is alive, but "certainly, we have to be realistic, and look at the possibility foul play is involved," Capt. Jeffrey Hertel said Tuesday. Kelly, 60, co-owner of Burr & Co. insurance agency, failed to show for work Dec. 5. Her personal items and car turned up in the area of her Southeast Side home within a day. Police in mid-December searched a wooded area in Ottawa County's Olive Township after records showed her cell phone possibly connecting with a tower there the night she disappeared.

This was the last news i could find on the story. The unfortunate truth is people do disappear every day without a trace and how many don't we know about?

[Grande]

Police out of tips in disappearance
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
GRAND RAPIDS -- Two months after the disappearance of Grand Rapids businesswoman Janna Kelly, police say tips have run dry. Police hold out hope she is alive, but "certainly, we have to be realistic, and look at the possibility foul play is involved," Capt. Jeffrey Hertel said Tuesday. Kelly, 60, co-owner of Burr & Co. insurance agency, failed to show for work Dec. 5. Her personal items and car turned up in the area of her Southeast Side home within a day. Police in mid-December searched a wooded area in Ottawa County's Olive Township after records showed her cell phone possibly connecting with a tower there the night she disappeared.

This was the last news i could find on the story. The unfortunate truth is people do disappear every day without a trace and how many don't we know about?

Unbelievable isn't it.

Thanks for the update or lack there of in this case.

[Rockdog]

Police out of tips in disappearance
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
GRAND RAPIDS -- Two months after the disappearance of Grand Rapids businesswoman Janna Kelly, police say tips have run dry. Police hold out hope she is alive, but "certainly, we have to be realistic, and look at the possibility foul play is involved," Capt. Jeffrey Hertel said Tuesday. Kelly, 60, co-owner of Burr & Co. insurance agency, failed to show for work Dec. 5. Her personal items and car turned up in the area of her Southeast Side home within a day. Police in mid-December searched a wooded area in Ottawa County's Olive Township after records showed her cell phone possibly connecting with a tower there the night she disappeared.

This was the last news i could find on the story. The unfortunate truth is people do disappear every day without a trace and how many don't we know about?

So much of this story doesn't make sense to me.

I find it odd that Janna's cell phone records led LE to Olive Township the night she went missing. Olive Township is only a few miles away from Holland Michigan where the company Janna co-owns also has a branch office.

It's been noted she is a cautious lady who rarely left home after returning from work along with the fact there was no sign of forced entry into her home. This makes me wonder if she didn't receive a phone call from someone she knew and trusted and agreed to meet with for some odd reason.

Of course this is only speculation on my part but the lack of information and interest (state-wide) increases my concerns for this missing woman.

[emmeblu]

Hi Rockdog, I tend to agree with you. It sounds like someone this woman knew and trusted called her on the phone to meet up. Wonder if she loaned money to someone in the past or something?
Many times the person that commits the crime is right in front of your face. If she was not reported missing until the next morning, then someone had all night long to get rid of her body. (Hate to say that.)

:1222423:Praying there will be a break in this case soon.
:1222423:For the family

[Grande]

Two months later and still no sign
February 7, 2008 - 8:16AM

GRAND RAPIDS (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Police in Grand Rapids are anxious for new leads in the search for a missing woman.

It's been two months since Jana Kelly disappeared and investigators say the tips have run dry.

Police are holding out hope that she's alive but say foul play could be involved.

Kelly is co-owner of Burr and Company Insurance.

Police found her disappearance bizarre because her personal items and car were scattered around town.

If you have any information on Kelly's disappearance, contact Grand Rapids Police or Silent Observer. There is a ten-thousand dollar reward for information.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/police_1346800___article.html/kelly_rapids.html

[Rockdog]

"Tips have run dry"? That's it? That's all LE and the media can come up with?

Have they ruled out Janna's co-(or ex) workers, boyfriend, family members or clients regarding foul play? If so, why aren't we hearing the reasons?

This makes no sense to me whatsoever. The fact that a few of her belongings were strewn within blocks doesn't convince me that she was abducted by a stranger.

IMO the media and LE have dropped the ball in this case. I'm beginning to realize that's often the case with missing persons. :mad:

[Pauli]

That's the case all to often Rockdog... once someone is out of the media attention people forget.. they don't notice things that could be important because they are not making any connection with the missing person.

[KittyMom]

I joined a group on Facebook started by Janna's niece. This is the latest notice I've received.

Vigil for Janna Kelly
To members of Please Help Find My Aunt


Amanda Trutsch
5:19pm Feb 5th
Reply I wanted to let everyone know of a couple changes for the vigil. The time has changed to 6:30, it will be a little more structured and the room will be Community Hall. It is still on February 12 (next Tuesday) and candles will still be provided.

Thanks and God bless!

Amanda

[Grande]

Vigil will add prayer to search for missing woman
Monday, February 11, 2008
By John Agar
The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- In tough times, Dana Kelly turned to her mother, Janna Kelly.

Now, she has turned to other family members, police and prayer in a search for her mother, who disappeared Dec. 4 -- sometime after she left her insurance agency.

"My mom and I are very close," Dana Kelly said. "It goes beyond she's just my mom. She's my best friend."

Her family has organized a vigil from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. SE, west of Kalamazoo Avenue.

Dana Kelly said her mother would not just leave on her own, but she remained hopeful that her mother was somewhere safe.

"As far as we know, there's no evidence or information to indicate she's not alive," she said. "We have to hope and pray that's true, and they can find her."

She asked anyone with information to contact police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345.

Janna Kelly, co-owner of Burr & Co. insurance agency, didn't show up for work Dec. 5. Her personal items were found that day near a Burton Street SE car wash. Her purse and wallet were intact. Her car turned up a mile away Dec. 6.

A $10,000 reward is available for details that help Kelly return safely to her family, or for the arrest of a suspect if her disappearance is found to be a crime.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-40/1202741121297380.xml&coll=6

[Grande]

Retracing Janna Kelly's last known steps
Updated: Feb 12, 2008 10:57 PM CST
By Tony Tagliavia

GAINES TOWNSHIP -- With candles and prayer -- both spoken and in song -- friends gathered at Kentwood Community Church Tuesday to pray for Janna Kelly "to give us all strength and hope and faith in God," Janna Kelly's daughter, Dana Kelly, told 24 Hour News 8.

"And even maybe potentially my mom seeing it and the people out there who know something or are responsible seeing it and realizing how they impacted and pretty much destroyed so many lives."

The vigil comes as leads dwindle for investigators with the Grand Rapids Police Department. So 24 Hour News 8 is "rewinding" the story, tracing Kelly's last known steps in early December.

In the news that day: the aftermath of an Amtrak train that crashed in Chicago after leaving Grand Rapids, and new developments in the case of another then-missing man - Troy Tyo.

It was that day that coworkers saw Janna Kelly leave her office on Claystone Street, just off the East Beltline north of Woodland Mall.

Police believe she left around 6:30 p.m. in her white Acura, headed down the Beltline, and turned west on 28th Street to Michael's Craft Store. Her next trip, according to investigators was back down 28th Street to Breton Avenue, then north to her southeast side neighborhood.

A receipt from Michael's stamped 7:21 p.m. was found at her home.

Kelly didn't come to work the next day. That's when coworkers alerted police.

That same day, they found her wallet on the ground of a self-serve car wash on Burton Street near Kalamazoo Avenue. A day later, her car was found at Louise Street and Plymouth Avenue near Ottawa Hills High School.

Since then, searchers have spread out near Breton Village and even out to Ottawa County. But there's been no sign of Kelly.

The case remains open.

Investigators say they are now waiting for test results from the Michigan State Police crime lab in Grand Rapids. The results are unlikely to reveal where Kelly is now, they say. But they are hopeful those results will reveal something about the days and hours leading up to her disappearance.

"It's moderately comforting," Dana Kelly said. "But we've been waiting for forensic evidence from the beginning. The process is slow, so we're still waiting and hoping that it will show something."

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7857859&nav=0RceeIbP

[girlfriday]

So much of this story doesn't make sense to me.

I find it odd that Janna's cell phone records led LE to Olive Township the night she went missing. Olive Township is only a few miles away from Holland Michigan where the company Janna co-owns also has a branch office.

It's been noted she is a cautious lady who rarely left home after returning from work along with the fact there was no sign of forced entry into her home. This makes me wonder if she didn't receive a phone call from someone she knew and trusted and agreed to meet with for some odd reason.

Of course this is only speculation on my part but the lack of information and interest (state-wide) increases my concerns for this missing woman.

I'm with you on this.

Some stuff just seems too odd.

Two possiblities jump out at me.

Abduction (known to victim):
- abductor knew her routine for the day

- abductor waited for her to make her purchase at Michaels and return to her, perhaps 'temporarily disabled'?, car (the car was left at Michaels until later?)

- abductor was trusted by her and made their approach to help seem like a 'great timing' coincidence and she left with them willingly under the impression she was being driven home (she would have still been wearing her shoes/boots and jacket and would have taken her purchase, purse, keys, phone, with her).

- abductor then had until morning to stage her home to establish a time frame and to make it appear she had arrived safely at home - to plant the purchase with timed receipt in her home, turn down bed, take the slippers (done for a time alibi?)

- abductor also had the cover of night to move her vehicle and plant her belongs around where they would be relatively easily be found (her slippers were not planted because they wouldn't have shown any sign of being worn outside and it would have been obvious she hadn't disappeared with them on?). Maybe they left their car where hers had been until the next day or used a taxi to get from their vehicle to hers or vice versa or they are close to where her vehicle was left. (local taxi logs for that night and the following day for rides - between - to or from - parking areas could be checked)

- abductor wanted her possesions found quickly so her disappearance would strongly suggest she was a victim but without evidence of trama (blood)

The other possiblilty is:

- she wanted to disappear
- she wanted her possesions found quickly so her disappearance would strongly suggest she was a victim but without evidence of trama (blood)

Unless she had some very serious financial/personal problems that have not been reported, I personally think that it was an abduction.

I hope the investigators have not used the store receipt time to establish their time line. I hope they are just using the last time she was seen by more then one person (work?) to establish time frame when checking out alibi's of any possible suspect close to the case.

THIS IS JUST PURE SPECULATION, ON MY PART.

Any updates on the forensics last reported?

[KittyMom]

http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/02/reward_upped_to_25000_for_woma.html

I don't understand this header??????

[KittyMom]

http://www.wwmt.com/news/reward_1347172___article.html/kelly_rapids.html

GRAND RAPIDS (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The friends and family of Janna Kelly are now offering a reward of up to $25,000 through Silent Observer, for information leading to her whereabouts. The previous reward offer was $10,000.

Kelly was last seen the evening of December 4th. Kelly is a co-owner of Burr & Company Insurance Agency, which along with her family, is offering the reward money.

Anyone with information on Janna's whereabouts is asked to call the Grand Rapids Police Department at (616) 456-3604 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

[amanda13]

Just a note on what girlfriday said. I know it's just speculation but Janna definitely would not have wanted to disappear. Her only daughter just got engaged, she found a boyfriend after being single for many years, and she definitely was not having any financial problems. I know some people are thinking she ran away but this most certainly is not the case.

[Grande]

Just a note on what girlfriday said. I know it's just speculation but Janna definitely would not have wanted to disappear. Her only daughter just got engaged, she found a boyfriend after being single for many years, and she definitely was not having any financial problems. I know some people are thinking she ran away but this most certainly is not the case.

Personally, I don't believe for a second that she ran away. Even if that were the case, there are still members of her community of family and friends that are left with many questions. Until those questions are answered we will be advocating for Janna's safe return.

Thanks for clarifying that.

Please keep us up posted if you hear anything new.

:1222423:

[Grande]

Reward increased for information on missing Grand Rapids woman Janna Kelly
Posted by The Grand Rapids Press March 12, 2008 11:48AM

GRAND RAPIDS -- The reward for information into Grand Rapids businesswoman Janna Kelly's disappearance has increased to $26,000.

Kelly, missing since Dec. 5, is co-owner of Burr & Co. Insurance Agency.

She was last seen around 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. The following afternoon, her purse and wallet were found at a car wash on Burton Street SE. Her car was found Dec. 6 in the 2100 block of Plymouth Avenue SE.

The reward is offered for information into her whereabouts, and if a crime has been committed, for information that leads to arrests and convictions. The reward is offered by her family, company and Fremont Insurance Co.

The reward had been $25,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Grand Rapids police at 456-3604, Silent Observer at 774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org.

http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/03/reward_increased_for_informati.html

[lost indie]

A body has been found.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8012745

[packy]

Thanks, Lost Indie.

They believe it is a female, and the location is about 10 miles from where a tip had previously directed them to search.

[lost indie]

Thanks, Lost Indie.

They believe it is a female, and the location is about 10 miles from where a tip had previously directed them to search.

The waiting must be hell for the family.

[KittyMom]

:1222423: Whether this is Janna or someone else...prayers for the families that have to wait for news that just won't be good.

[wheezer]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) - Janna Kelly's body was found beyond a blueberry field in the wooded area near Pierce Street west of 160th Avenue in Grand Haven Township.

An autopsy Friday confirmed the body found the day before was that of the woman missing for four months. Her death was ruled a homicide, and her identity was confirmed through dental records.

Kelly, 60, was last seen December 4, 2007. Her wallet and purse were found that same day at a car wash, and her car was found two days later.

In late December, a tip about some personal property led investigators to an area more than 10 miles south of where her body was eventually found.

There was "a piece of documentation, indication that there may be some property owned by Kelly in the Ottawa County area," Ottawa County Sheriff Department Lt. Mark Bennett told 24 Hour News 8. "We did a limited search at that point. And then when we responded to a call (Thursday) of remains being found, we contacted the Grand Rapids Police Department."

Ken Reenders said he bought 35 acres to add to his blueberry farm. The property, just south of Pierce and west of US-31, adjoins land he already owns. He thought it was a good deal, but wasn't ready for the phone call that came the same morning he bought the land.

"I mean, it had been in the works, but it was kind of a shocker when they call up an hour after you buy it and say there's a body on it," Reenders told 24 Hour News 8.

A surveyor found a woman's body in the woods, a place Reenders said he and a business partner tracked through just last October to see about drainage.

The investigation continues and many questions are still unanswered about how Janna Kelly's body ended up in a place where, now, an orange marker is the only indication of a faint two-track leading deeper into the woods.

At this time, the family of Janna Kelly does not want to comment.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8016440&nav=menu44_1

:(

[wheezer]

:1222423:

[Pauli]

So Sad.. my heart and prayers go out to Janna's family :1222423:

[wheezer]

OTTAWA COUNTY -- An autopsy has confirmed that a body found Thursday in Grand Haven Township was missing Grand Rapids businesswoman Janna Kelly. She was a victim of homicide, but police this afternoon would not disclose how she died.

Kelly, 60, had been missing since Dec. 4, shortly after she left her business, Burr & Co. Insurance Agency. She reportedly stopped by a crafts store.

Her boyfriend had tried to call her that night, but she did not answer her phone. He tried again the next morning at work, but she did not show.

Her body was found Thursday morning by a land surveyor in the woods near 160th Avenue and Pierce Street, about a mile west of U.S. 31. Police had earlier searched an area south of there but did not find any evidence.

Ottawa County sheriff's Lt. Mark Bennett said his investigators would work with Grand Rapids police detectives already looking into her disappearance.

http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/03/autopsy_confirms_body_is_janna.html

[annalyzer]

God be with Janna's family and friends. :1222423:

[packy]

So sad.

My condolences to the family. RIP Janna

[lost indie]

:1222423::1222423::1222423:

I hope LE finds out who did this. I thought it was a car-jacking for several reasons....I know the area well. But...it seems whoever did this to her hid her pretty well. RIP Janna....

[KittyMom]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) - Janna Kelly's body was found beyond a blueberry field in the wooded area near Pierce Street west of 160th Avenue in Grand Haven Township.

An autopsy Friday confirmed the body found the day before was that of the woman missing for four months. Her death was ruled a homicide, and her identity was confirmed through dental records.

Kelly, 60, was last seen December 4, 2007. Her wallet and purse were found that same day at a car wash, and her car was found two days later.

In late December, a tip about some personal property led investigators to an area more than 10 miles south of where her body was eventually found.

There was "a piece of documentation, indication that there may be some property owned by Kelly in the Ottawa County area," Ottawa County Sheriff Department Lt. Mark Bennett told 24 Hour News 8. "We did a limited search at that point. And then when we responded to a call (Thursday) of remains being found, we contacted the Grand Rapids Police Department."

Ken Reenders said he bought 35 acres to add to his blueberry farm. The property, just south of Pierce and west of US-31, adjoins land he already owns. He thought it was a good deal, but wasn't ready for the phone call that came the same morning he bought the land.

"I mean, it had been in the works, but it was kind of a shocker when they call up an hour after you buy it and say there's a body on it," Reenders told 24 Hour News 8.

A surveyor found a woman's body in the woods, a place Reenders said he and a business partner tracked through just last October to see about drainage.

The investigation continues and many questions are still unanswered about how Janna Kelly's body ended up in a place where, now, an orange marker is the only indication of a faint two-track leading deeper into the woods.

At this time, the family of Janna Kelly does not want to comment.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8016440&nav=menu44_1

:(

So, was the tip telling LE that she owned this property? If so, this was someone who knew her business well enough to know that she had this property. Interesting...lets hope they make an arrest soon.

[lost indie]

So, was the tip telling LE that she owned this property? If so, this was someone who knew her business well enough to know that she had this property. Interesting...lets hope they make an arrest soon.

Owning property is public record. LE would only have to search the records for what property she owns.

I really wondered what was up when LE searched in Ottawa county.

It's all so odd...

I am so sorry for what the family has to go through now...

[KittyMom]

Owning property is public record. LE would only have to search the records for what property she owns.

I really wondered what was up when LE searched in Ottawa county.

It's all so odd...

I am so sorry for what the family has to go through now...

Then, I'm confused. What was the tip about her owning property? I'm assuming that this is in an ajoining county?

[Rockdog]

I'm so sorry to learn about this.

For Janna and her family.........:1222423:

[packy]

Her receipts were in the house and her slippers were missing. I wonder if any neighbors saw anyone or a car at her house that day. Did someone trick her to open her door o did she let someone in that she knew we have to wonder. I hope they find who did this real soon.

[Grande]

"I would like to thank all of you for all of your prayers and support. Our family cannot express enough how thankful we are for everyone's support. I will be closing this group but please continue to pray for my family, specifically Janna's daughter Dana and Janna's siblings (Wyatt, Bill, and Lori). This has been a long 3 1/2 months but we are thankful for some closure, even though it's not the ending we hoped for. Also, pray that we will be able to find the person(s) responsible and that there will be justice. We will be able to have complete closure when we know what happened and why

Finally, I would like to ask everyone to pray for the family of Donald Dietz who is also missing. Coincidentally I worked this winter with the niece of Donald Dietz. For them it has been six months without knowing where Donald is and I know that there is nothing worse then waiting and wondering. There family is going through so much right now and could use all of your prayers!

Thank you again and God bless!"

Amanda

[KittyMom]

"I would like to thank all of you for all of your prayers and support. Our family cannot express enough how thankful we are for everyone's support. I will be closing this group but please continue to pray for my family, specifically Janna's daughter Dana and Janna's siblings (Wyatt, Bill, and Lori). This has been a long 3 1/2 months but we are thankful for some closure, even though it's not the ending we hoped for. Also, pray that we will be able to find the person(s) responsible and that there will be justice. We will be able to have complete closure when we know what happened and why

Finally, I would like to ask everyone to pray for the family of Donald Dietz who is also missing. Coincidentally I worked this winter with the niece of Donald Dietz. For them it has been six months without knowing where Donald is and I know that there is nothing worse then waiting and wondering. There family is going through so much right now and could use all of your prayers!

Thank you again and God bless!"

Amanda

I received this message as well. Isn't Amanda the sweetest? Even with their tragedy, she still thinks of someone else. God bless Janna's family. May they get justice for their loved one soon.
:1222423:

[Rockdog]

It saddens me to learn there is nothing new in this case.

For Janna and her family......:1222423:

Thank you Roamer for helping me find this thread.

[Roamer]

Here's the latest:

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8429138&nav=menu44_2



Case open and active 6 months after Kelly disappearance

Updated: June 4, 2008 05:47 AM CDT




GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) - Wednesday marks six months to the day since a Grand Rapids business woman vanished.

Janna Kelly's body was found March 13th in Ottawa County.

Police have ruled her death a homicide.

Kelly's wallet and purse turned up about twelve hours after she was last seen at a car wash on Burton Street near Kalamazoo Avenue in Grand Rapids.

What's surprising to all was how clean here disappearance was.

Her car was found about two miles from her home.

Her car and her house were left intact.

Kelly was last leaving her insurance business around 6:30 p.m on December 4th.

The next day, a passer-by found her wallet at the Burton Street car wash.

The next day, her Acura was found near Ottawa Hills High School.

On December 12th, on a tip, police conducted a massive search in Ottawa County near a location where Kelly owned land.

Nothing was found.

Then on March 13th, when snow began to melt, her body was discovered about 10 miles from that Ottawa County location off a dirt road in a blueberry farm.

The death has shaken her family and co-workers.

Her co-workers say there was nothing at odds in Kelly's life.

She was a kind, sharp business woman who helped build a successful insurance business.

Everything in her home was found intact from her slippers to the empty glass of wine on the counter.

Her family and business partner have put up a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

So far, investigators are mum.

[KittyMom]

How sad that no one has been charge with this crime yet.

[Rockdog]

Thanks again for the update, Roamer.

I believe Janna knew her killer. I also believe the investigators know who it is as well. There is obviously a reason the investigators are "mum" right now.

It would be nice to know if the b/f had an allibi for that night.

[Roamer]

YVW, Rockdog. I'm glad to see the case is still active, and I hope they can close it soon and bring justice for Janna.

[Grande]

Reward in Janna Kelly murder now $50,000
Updated: Oct 9, 2008 05:01 PM CDT
By Joe LaFurgey

http://i38.tinypic.com/o59wdi.jpg
(L-R) Chris Cameron of Silent Observer, GRPD Capt. Jeff Hertel, Det. Tim DeVries, Dana Kelly-Isola, OCSD Det. David Blakely, Jim Isola, Lt. Mark Bennett

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- It has been a long 10 months for Janna Kelly's family.

"It's way beyond frustration. It's, frustration, anger, sadness," said Kelly's daughter, Dana.

Now, Janna Kelly's family hopes money will get someone to talk. The Silent Observer fund for information leading to a conviction in this case is now at $50,000.

"Maybe the money, with the economy the way it is, people need money," said Dana. "Perhaps the person involved spoke to someone."

Janna Kelly was last seen December 4, 2007 at her home near Burton Street and Breton Road in Grand Rapids.

For months, police searched, and family members prayed for her safe return.

Their hopes dashed when on March 13 Kelly's body was found in a wooded area near a home on 160th Avenue and Pierce Street in Ottawa County's Grand Haven Township.

The reward is one way they hope to get information.

But if not the money, the family is hoping someone realizes what it's like to walk in their shoes.

"The fact that we don't know what happened to her. We don't know if that person's someone we know, if the person's a stranger. If they could destroy another life, another family, they're going on with their everyday life. We don't have that opportunity," said Dana.

If you have any information you are asked to call Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345, the Grand Rapids Police Department, or the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9152328&nav=0Rcd

[Grande]

Janna Kelly's disappearance: 1 year later
Posted By: Chris Zoladz
Updated:12/4/2008 9:01:26 AM - Posted: 12/4/2008 6:25:54 AM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - It's been one year since the disappearance of Janna Kelly and Grand Rapids Police are still searching for her killer.

Kelly went missing December 4, 2007 while Christmas shopping. The next day coworkers found her purse and wallet at a carwash in Grand Rapids. December 6 her car was found in a neighborhood in the 2100 block of Plymouth Ave. SE.

On December 12 police searched areas in West Olive and Holland Township. Three months later, on March 13, a land surveyor discovered Kelly's remains in a field off Pierce Street near 160th Avenue in Grand Haven Township.

Kelly's family is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=102392&catid=48

[KittyMom]

Such a shame that no one has been arrested yet.