A Beloved Friend and Mother Missing

Summer Shipp, 55, went to work on December 8, 2004.  Summer had a risky job; she conducted surveys door to door as a market researcher.  Family and friends questioned where she was when she did not show up for work the next day on December 9.  She was very dedicated to her job.

Summer's dedication went beyond her work.  Her friends described her as the social stronghold of their group--never backing out of plans with her girlfriends.  When Summer did not show up for a movie date, her friends began to seriously worry. 

Very Few Leads, But Still Hopeful

Since Summer's disappearance there have been very few leads tracing police to her whereabouts. 

Summer was last seen conducting surveys in the 1500 block of West College Terrace in Independence, Mo.  Several residents remember seeing Summer conducting surveys the day she disappeared, yet no one can identify where she went. 

A few days after Summer went missing her bronze BMW was found in the same area where she was conducting surveys.  Authorities have reported that there were no significant clues in the vehicle.

Authorities have not labeled any suspects in this case but have had a man in custody.  A resident of 1500 block West College Terrace was arrested on unrelated warrants and his home was searched. Police are not releasing information about the search. He has been released on bond. 

Love in Action

Many efforts have been made to bring Summer safely home. Summer's friends and family are desperate to find her. Twenty-thousand fliers have been sent, 30 taxi cab displays, five city bus displays, two billboards, 40 plus newspaper articles, TV and radio attention, a website, and a $100,000 reward.

The community gathered together on December 18, 2004 to hold a candlelight vigil for Summer. The vigil took place where her BMW was found in Independence.

With all of these efforts, and the tremendous amount of support given to Summer's family and friends, they are optimistic for her safe return.  To disappear is just not Summer's nature.  She loved her home, friends, job, family, and dog.  Her friends and family are convinced that foul play must be involved.

Sad Ending In Search For Missing Woman