New leads in missing person case

Investigators are following new leads in the disappearance of a Sturgis woman who disappeared nearly seven years ago.

According to WWMT, 23-year-old Brittany Shank and her boyfriend were involved in a car crash Nov. 30, 2018, on Fawn River Road and abandoned the car, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office.

Shank, however, was the only one to show up at a nearby doorstep in search of help. The homeowner called 911, but Shank fled from the residence before authorities arrived.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in September started assisting the sheriff’s department and Michigan State Police.

With additional agencies on the case, Chief Deputy Zachary Zuk said there is a renewed sense of urgency to find Shank.

Deputies are employing previously-unused aerial technology, something that Zuk said could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Agencies are also beginning ground searches again in the area Shank was last seen alive.

A missing-person report was never filed for Brittany’s boyfriend, who investigators have struggled to identify.

Shank’s family plans to stage a ceremony to honor and remember her near the Fawn River home where she was last seen alive.