Alexis Morales was found dead on the west side of South Bend, according to SBPD
South Bend, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department confirmed that Alexis Morales was found dead Tuesday evening near South Kaley Street in South Bend. They also confirmed that 5-month old Messiah Morales has been transported to a hospital and is expected to recover from hypothermic injuries.
A scene with a heavy police presence was discovered around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of South Kaley Street and West Huron Street where a vehicle model and plate number matches the description of Alexis Morales' vehicle noted in the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office's issued Silver Alert on Monday, a Silver BMW with the license plate "MULA LUV".
A Statewide Silver Alert was declared for 27-year-old Alexis Morales and her son, 5-month-old Messiah Morales on Monday.
The two were previously last seen in South Bend leaving a gathering at Kelly Park on April 12 at 6 p.m.
The pair were found approximately 10 minutes from Kelly Park after concerned family members spent a week searching.
“I have 4 jobs they were passing around the flyers and I made sure to tape ‘em and stick ‘em to the doors and stuff so if anybody knew any information, they could contact somebody," said Emily Lynn, a neighbor.
The South Bend Police Department is working with the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office to piece investigate Morales' death and her prior disappearance.
“They obviously started with a Silver Alert and then you know we have their vehicle so we’re working conjointly with them to figure out what exactly happened," said Russell Lupica, a sergeant for SBPD.
People in the area say they spotted the vehicle as early as last Thursday but didn’t know it’s connection.
“My husbands the one that noticed it. He asked me Thursday night after coming from a game he said you know have you seen, did you see the BMW in the back, and I said no I didn’t. He was like oh, it’s just sitting there I don’t know who’s it is," said a neighbor.
They tell ABC57 they can’t help but feel guilty for not reaching out to police sooner.
“I have a daughter so I can’t imagine, I’m sorry it’s really sad. I wish that we could have reported it the truck a long time ago. I wish I would have seen the article sooner and reported it, but I didn’t," said the neighbor.
If you know anything about Morales' death or disappearance you are encouraged to contact the South Bend Police Department Detective Bureau at 574-235-9263 or Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP.