Emma Baum, a 25-year-old Indiana woman, was nine months pregnant when she vanished over three months ago. Baum, a mother of three, was last seen being dropped off at her boyfriend’s residence in Gary, Indiana. Her family reported her missing on October 28, 18 days after her disappearance.
Baum’s sister, Hailey Baum-Waddell, has been vocal about the family’s struggle to find Emma. She emphasized the emotional, physical, and mental toll the search has taken on the family, but affirmed their determination to continue until Emma is found. Baum-Waddell also expressed the importance of public awareness in the search, urging people to spread the word about her sister’s disappearance.
The Gary Police Department, led by Commander Jack Hamady, has been actively involved in the search. The department has utilized K-9 units in several area searches, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. Hamady revealed that the search has extended to various properties, including a house, an apartment, and recreational vehicles.
In addition to the official search efforts, Baum-Waddell and other family members have organized a widespread search, spurred by a social media post that attracted hundreds of volunteers. Baum-Waddell expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and the willingness of many to assist in the search.
Baum-Waddell also shed light on her sister’s character, describing her as a devoted mother with a particularly strong bond with her oldest son. She expressed disbelief that her sister would willingly miss significant family holidays, further fueling the family’s concern.
Suspicion has fallen on Baum’s boyfriend, with Baum-Waddell and their mother expressing belief that he may be withholding information. However, the police have not charged anyone in connection with Baum’s disappearance. Baum’s boyfriend, who was previously in custody on unrelated charges, has since been released and is awaiting a court date.
Baum is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 136 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. She has several distinctive scars and tattoos and is known to frequently wear colorful wigs. Baum-Waddell emotionally described her sister as a loving individual who always sought to make others feel included and happy.