One year later: Marizela is still missing; Plus: A public appeal to Google
Exactly one year ago today, my 18-year-old cousin Marizela (known affectionately to her family and friends as “Emem” or “Mei”) Perez disappeared from the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
She is still missing.
Those words form on the computer screen with disembodied disbelief. But my heart is screaming:
SHE IS STILL MISSING. WHY, DEAR GOD, WHY?!!!!!
The not-knowing is every parent’s worst nightmare. It brought normal life to a standstill for Marizela’s parents, Edgar and Jasmin. And yet, they have to keep living and working and praying for their only daughter. Because that is what they must do. Their strength and dignity through all the suffering has been an inspiration to me.
There have been no new developments in Emem’s case. No word from the police or the medical examiner’s office. No activity on her bank accounts or social media accounts.
And no response from the Google legal department to our request for help in January.
As regular readers of this blog know, the family’s quest to obtain Marizela’s online information has been a series of endless frustrations, bureaucratic incompetence, and apathy.
It is especially maddening to read ongoing stories about Google’s deliberate corporate decision to override customers’ privacy wishes against their wishes and to commoditize users’ individual browsing/searching/email data in order to increase ad revenue, while they ignore public-interest requests to share that crucial information with families of the missing.
My message to Google’s legal department:
from Michelle Malkin writemalkin@gmail.com
to [name redacted]
date Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:24 AM
subject From relative of Marizela Perez
mailed-by gmail.com
Hi [name redacted] – Belated New Year’s greetings. I don’t know if you remember me, but we communicated by email last spring about my missing teenage cousin, Marizela Perez. Tomorrow, January 5, marks the 10-month anniversary since her disappearance. Our family is very grateful that your company cooperated with the Seattle Police Department in responding to their very limited subpoena request for some of Marizela’s Google-related information.
Here is our dilemma. While the case remains open, the Seattle police are for all practical purposes treating it as a closed and shut case. They will not share the information they obtained from the subpoena — which our family pushed for in the first place. If we had access to that information, we could continue the search for Marizela on our own that the SPD has neither the time, resources, or inclination to pursue. As a fellow parent, I hope you understand our despair and our refusal to give up. My question is this: What are the chances that Google would release the info in the search warrant return to us if we pursued it through legal means? My understanding is that federal electronic records privacy law has done very little to take into account unique situations like ours.
If you have a chance, could you ring me at [redacted]. If you can’t, I understand. But I’m at wit’s end — especially knowing the information we seek is perishable — and running out of ideas. Appreciate your time and consideration.
Best,
Michelle
Google’s corporate motto is “Don’t Be Evil.” How about trying to “Be Good” and accommodate desperate customers who are actually begging you to make privacy exceptions?
***
We have posted Marizela’s missing persons flyer, photos, videos and more at http://findmarizela.com/. The tip line number for citizens who may have any information that might aid in the search is 1-855-MARIZEL. We remain eternally grateful to all those who have supported, aided, and prayed for Emem and her parents from day one.
Reminder: As we’ve noted since the day of her disappearance, she was taking anti-depressants at the time of her disappearance. The daunting possibility that she took her life, and the signs that cannot be ignored, still weighs heavily on our minds — as do all the other frightening possibilities as her case remains unsolved and unresolved. I’ve urged you before to support volunteer groups that provide hope and solace for those in need. To honor Marizela, I ask again that you do so if you are able.
Cherish life.
Lahat ay magiging maayos: All will be well.
***
5 quick lessons for families whose young adults go missing:
1) Document EVERYTHING.
2) Take an immediate and full inventory of your loved one’s Internet footprint — every email account, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and social networking account.
3) Don’t assume the police are pinging cell phones, obtaining Internet or phone records, or obtaining surveillance camera video. Don’t assume anything.
4) Make sure your loved one’s info gets into the NAMUS database immediately.
5) Don’t be afraid to be a squeaky wheel. If you don’t speak up, no one will.
***
One area of public policy that needs to be addressed is how federal electronic privacy law fails to account for cases like ours. And we know there must be countless ones like it where law enforcement presumes the missing person is dead, but continues to keep the case technically “open” and shields information from public disclosure that might assist families in their own private search efforts.
Why should law enforcement have the first and last word? Why, under current law, should Internet companies only cooperate with law enforcement requests for information when there may be times law enforcement has institutional incentives (financial, bureaucratic, political, or otherwise) to drag their feet? To address corporate liability concerns, why not a special court to adjudicate these matters akin to a special court of inquiry or along the lines of the FISA court system?
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The Search for Marizela: A Thanksgiving note
November 23, 2011 12:05 AM by Michelle Malkin
51 CommentsFinding Marizela: The Dread Void of Uncertainty; UPDATE: Marizela is still missing, questions unanswered
October 24, 2011 03:46 AM by Michelle Malkin
99 Comments
Update: Arrest made in case of missing Seattle-area teen Kathy Chou
July 7, 2011 03:17 PM by Michelle Malkin
26 CommentsFinding Marizela: Month Four
July 5, 2011 06:19 AM by Michelle Malkin
50 Comments
Categories: Marizela
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Michelle, our souls weep with you as this anniversary comes. The suspense of a missing loved one never grants closure and is thus an open wound in our spirits.
You and your family and Marizela’s parents in particular will continue to be remembered in prayer. Thank you for struggling onward.
I just don’t get the vibe from looking at her pictures that she’s the kind of person who would kill herself.
I know some people commit suicide out of the blue, but I personally suspect foul play…
Oh, Mei, you are so loved.
My deepest sympathy to Michelle and Marizela’s parents. For the emotional trials they are being put through. It takes Herculean effort to face each day much less take care of the necessities of work, family, and normal things of life.
God is the only one who can help. He has the answers. We as mortals may not always like what God tells us but we still trust and believe. Always.
We’re still praying
Trust in God
Stand fast hope for Marizela!
I also pray the media has the sympathy and compassion beyond political philosophy to help aid in her search.
James Greenidge
Queens NY
Hugs and prayers to you and your family Michelle.
Google. They aren’t willing to help your family because they say they’re protecting privacy. Well, they aren’t too concerned about the privacy of everyone they continually track online.
Typical liberal hypocrites.
Michelle there is not a day go by that I wonder what has happened and where she is.
I pray for her safe return. Someone, somewhere knows something and must come forward!
Let us know what we might be able to do!!
I continue to be at a loss of words over this heart-wrenching time. So we pray. And hope. And cry. And pray some more.
Michelle, threatening to sue Google isn’t working, now it’s time to make the legal system work for you. In addition to Google, go after the Seattle PD, and have your lawyer take lengthy depositions, while also trying to find a judge who would order them to provide you with the information you asked for and need. Might be the time to get Congress involved in changing current law to cover situations like yours.
Continued prayers to all.
So sad to think about Michelle. I still pray for her. Keep her picture on your site.
I have always avoided Google products. Their tracking attitudes have been apparent for a long time. Now I have sworn off youTube and have switched to Bing (which has improved a lot).
Michelle, it pains me to see such little action on this situation. Reminds me of the painfully slow information that would come with the MIA’s in the Vietnam War. She is in my prayers and hope for a miracle.
You and your family are experiencing anguish that no one should have to suffer. My heart cries out for you. May you soon find the information you seek.
I am so sorry, I have continued to pray.
Marizela, you are missed. (sigh) Nothing conveys better, the impotence of man, than when a child goes missing. Please God, help them find the way to Marizela.
SPD = useless tools.
Michelle I have never had a family member go missing, however I helped a family here who child did go missing. It was the first Amber alert sent out in Lubbock. Their child was eventually found. She was murdered but the family had closure. I saw what that family went through and my heart goes out to what your family must be going through. It is hard to bring about closure without knowing. I will continue to pray for you and your family and your cousin will be found soon.
You have done all that you can; sometimes after that all you can do is… wait.
There are times when it may take years of waiting, but the answers may still come. Even if they’re not the ones you’re hoping for, I hope you get those answers sooner rather than later.
After the SPD and Google failed you, trust in God.
A couple months ago our autistic son ran off. My wife and I were frantic. After about 30 minutes or so of looking we called the police. Thank GOD, he was already found. He ran to a community center where he like to play. It was closed, but a maintenance man on duty let him in and called the police.
He was found safe. I can’t imagine going a year with a missing child.
Still praying for Marizela’s safe return.
You and your family are in our prayers.
May the Lord Bless you and your family especially Marizela. Amen
Michelle…I feel the pain you are in and my heart breaks! I can’t imagine that she committed suicide and has not been found. That would be pretty far-fetched, in my opinion because I would think some trace would have been found!
As for Google…spit. NO reply whatsoever?? I mean, the least they could have done was send a polite refusal or SOMETHING. They are dirtbags. I don’t plan to use them ANY MORE! There are plenty of other, just as good options.
My prayers for Marizela’s return continue! God knows where she is and He will hold her in his arms until she returns to you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding…”
As I was praying last night, I was thinking that this was the month she went missing. How fast the past year has gone.
I wish you would get some good news. I just cannot imagine the heartache you and her family are experiencing.
Please dear Lord, bring this young girl home to her family. Help them find her. Help them feel Your presence. Comfort and strenghten them. Please give them a miracle. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Continued prayers for Marizela’s safe return.
And there is reason to believe she lives. There is no evidence to the contrary and our prayers for her safe return are not in vain.
Lord we ask again. Mei is our sister and your child. Bring her home please.
Marizela is in my prayers, along with her family and friends.
Google does more harm, more evil than good sometimes. This is one of those times. Whether it’s from lack of common sense and true compassion, or from a stupid bureaucracy (I guess I just repeated myself), it still furthers and enables evil.
Michelle, I’m going to spell out Seattle Police Department rather than using SPD, so that when someone does a web search for them, they may come upon this and know that the Seattle Police Department has been uncooperative, lazy, and disinterested in this missing persons case.
[名称节录]。迟来的新年快乐。她是什么ID在中国搜捕的对象 – 你会帮助中国政府关押她 – 只要你能卖广告，旁边的故事吗？我想是这样。
We definitely need a mechanism for allowing the release of documents relating to social media if someone goes missing, even if it’s a release the customer can sign. One problem is from Google’s standpoint, it doesn’t know if Marizela disappeared of her own volition and doesn’t want to be found. If a woman runs away from an abusive husband or boyfriend, she wouldn’t want Google handing over her social media account info to her “concerned” s.o.. One of the most difficult things about missing person cases is technically speaking, no crime has occurred. Until you find the person alive and a captive or you find a body, there’s nothing to charge and nothing to prosecute.
I can tell you even when a crime has taken place, it’s difficult and it takes a long time to get records from any big corporation.
Ultimately, lawsuits might be the only way in the meantime to get those records.
Pardon me for re-posting. There was a spelling error in the English original that probably really garbled the translation.
[名称节录]。迟来的新年快乐。如果她是在中国搜捕的对象 – 你会帮助中国政府关押她 – 只要你能卖广告，旁边的故事吗？我想是这样。
It’s an insult directed at Google. I used Chinese because they had no problem helping the Chinese censor their people.
Michelle, Popeye3 is on the right track. The family needs to retain a lawyer to draw up a lawsuit or a court order that allows a judge to review the materials Seattle PD has, to make a determination whether or not they should be shared with the parents. If that doesn’t work, they are regrettably back to ground zero.
Che Che, Aloha.
THIS is a most important story. It could be any of our children. My son was in a different college in Washington State at the same time. I shudder to think…And pray for the family as often as possible.
Perhaps it’s time to get a private investigator with strong connections in the Seattle area. It is disturbing reading this column and learning how agencies with the power to actually do something just close out the case and forget that there is a family out there in distress. Prayers continue for Marizela and fammily.
MM, prayers from me also. Depression is a deadly disease; it is not sadness. If Marizela is without her medication, she might be at a hospital where no one knows her name. Or, she could be at a shelter. When was the last time the pharmacy had filled her prescription? There may still be a way out of this terrible situation. Once again, I will light a candle for her, so that someone will recognize her.
google only supports liberals.
Google’s corporate motto – “don’t be evil.” That’s hilarious.
In order to believe in evil, one must believe in higher, bigger (whatever you want to call them) forces…
I guess this motto proves that liberals don’t need a god because they think they are god. So, they now are determining what’s good and what’s evil. How very, omnipotent of them.
Michelle, I thought of Marizela when I heard about Google’s new (lack of) privacy structure and I hoped that your search would benefit from it. I am horribly disappointed to find that is not the case.
I hope you and yours are able to find your precious cousin, or, at the very least, get answers and achieve some sort of peace.
Well, that could be the Great Pumpkin for some – which is likely Google’s diety. Or maybe “The Force”.
My prayers are for you and your family.
I often think of Marizela, and pray for her safe return.
Remember Elizabeth Smart – she was found many months later. There is always room for hope. and prayers.
Beyond belief, just beyond belief. Hopefully, this case will have a resolution like that Missouri teenager (forget his name, now) who was found alive and reasonably well FOUR YEARS after he was kidnapped. And hopefully, it won’t take four years this time.
Exactly! This happens to so many people in search of missing children, usually abducted by a derelict parent or step-parent.
My best to you and your family; hopefully a good outcome will soon arrive.
*As always, I will continue to lift Marizela and her family up in my thoughts and prayers; The family deserves closure, not continued agony.
*As stated before, I doubt very much the suicide possibility; Statistics do not support this without a body being found.
*In a parallel universe, I would love to see the good Geraldo using his investigative instincts to carpet bomb Seattle with this story on a national level, making it his quest to solve the mystery of Marizela, for one, because he can, and, as well, because as a Christian, he should get back in the good graces of our Hostess; I pray for this!
Prayers for her to be found. Sorry for what you have been through.
This is simply hogwash – exactly WHAT INCENTIVE to LE officers/agencies/whatever have to drag their feet. What a pantload. She’s an adult. Are the cops supposed to drop everything and spend their time hunting for someone who might very well have just decided to walk away from their situation?
Considering Google’s practices, one has to wonder what they define as “evil”… boiling children alive in kitten fat?
Pretty much every day I come to michellemalkin.com, and therefore pretty much every day I think about Marizela and hope and pray you find her and find her unharmed.
What else do they have to do these days? Play commando against civilians? Eat doughnuts?
I just lit another candle for Marizela. May allf our prayers be answered.
For years I have been boycotting Google for a variety of reasons. This is another reason.
Why haven’t they shared the info they got from Google with the family? The FAMILY is willing to drop everything and spend their time hunting for her.
You mean those assigned to missing persons? Drop everything? What would be “everything” they are dropping, when their job is “hunting for someone”?
A year already, how frustrating.
When my boys went to college, I made them write down all their passwords to all their pages and seal them in an envelope with my promise I would only open that envelope if something happened to them and the police needed that info. I would not have done this had I not read about your missing family member.
Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle:
If Google is really chiefly concerned about liability issues; simple legal “Releases” can take care of that concern. The Releases can be signed by family members promising to waive any and all claims against Google as a result of their release of this information to you, and to indemnify and defend Google against any such claims brought by any other people against Google relating to the release of information. Releases are common in addressing litigation or potential litigation concerns, regardless of how remote the prospect is that a claim would (or even could) be made.
I pray for continued strength for all of you.
So sad…and unacceptable.
As someone else said, I come to your site everyday hoping to see the great news that Marizela has been found.
Continued prayers for you and your family and Emem.
My prayers are with you and Marizela. I still have hope.
Michelle, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Can her parents file a civil suit against John Doe and subpoena Google’s records? Did the MAC address of her laptop or other wired/wireless device leave a trail that can be traced with a subpoena perhaps to her ISP provider? Have you talked with a computer forensics expert? You have a way to contact me if you need any help.
Have Faith and Courage Michelle. I’m still praying for a good outcome for your family. God will provide. He did for me and my family.Regardless of the outcome, Peace and Acceptance will finally come. You will never get Over this but you will get Through it.
Every time I hear that a 15-20 year old goes missing, I realize my sons are in that age range right now. It’s scary; you have to let them go because you can’t hold on forever. My prayers are with you Michelle, your family, and Emem’s parents.
I always thought that anniversaries were something to celebrate.
Words of comfort fail me, Michelle, but I continue to pray.
Michelle, this is a repost of something I posted over at Hot Air. Please take it with a grain of salt, since I was unable to stop and ask the young lady anything.