Search Planned Saturday For Flores, Missing South Heights Woman

SOUTH CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — The family of missing South Chicago Heights woman Jessica Flores is planning another search for Saturday at noon in Gary, IN.

Flores, who is presumed dead, has been missing since February, when she was last seen in Gary.

The Daily Southtown reports that Gary police will lead the search and that volunteers who would like to help should meet at noon Saturday at the station at 555 Polk St. in Gary.

Although no remains have been found, Drew "Tiny" Carter III, 41, has been charged with her death. Carter, who lives in Gary, was charged last month with murder in connection with the disappearance of Flores, 36. She was reported missing Feb. 25, along with Melina Cottrell, 26, also of Gary. Cottrell has since been found safe.

Records show that Flores left South Chicago Heights on Feb. 24 in her boyfriend's 2010 Nissan Altima. It was later found in Chicago and had been set on fire. Police found a pool of blood and blood spatter in the backseat — so much so that authorities believe she cannot still be alive.

Police are asking the public to call them if they have any information about Flores or the location of her body at 219-755-3855. Anonymous calls can be made to 866-CRIME-GP.