FBI Seeking Information in Unsolved Murder of Missing Hammond Girl
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking information from the public regarding the unsolved murder of 13-year-old Alexandra (Alex) Anaya, announced Michael J. Anderson, special agent in charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson; and Hammond Police Chief John D. Doughty.
Eleven years ago this month, Alex’s torso was found floating in the Little Calumet River in Chicago by a group of boaters. She was reported missing from her home in Hammond, Indiana on August 13, 2005. Alex was last seen by her mother at approximately 4:30 a.m. that day. Her body was found on August 16, 2005.
Both the Chicago Police Department and the Hammond Police Department conducted a thorough investigation into Alex’s disappearance and murder. With an arrest yet to be made, they requested the assistance of the FBI. Agents from the Chicago Field Office’s Homicide Initiative Task Force have been reviewing leads and re-interviewing individuals associated with this case. “We believe this was not a random act of violence and that Alex knew her assailant,” stated Mr. Anderson. He also added, “We have reason to believe that there are individuals with information pertinent to this investigation, who, for whatever reason, have not come forward. It’s been more than a decade since Alex was murdered, and during that time, people and relationships have changed. We are hopeful that someone will come forward now.”
Given the significant scientific advances in forensic processes since Alex’s disappearance, the Chicago FBI’s Homicide Initiative Task Force has asked the FBI Laboratory to conduct new tests on several pieces of evidence in this case. Crime laboratories can now obtain results from smaller samples of physical evidence. “We fully intend to capitalize on the new investigative technologies to handle these types of cases. The commitment of this task force to this case and those like it is very strong. With the help of the public, we are confident that we will bring this case to a successful conclusion,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Johnson.
In an effort to address and solve some of the most violent crime cases, the FBI Chicago Field Office established the Homicide Initiative Task Force, which includes members from the Chicago FBI and the Chicago Police Department. The purpose of this task force is to re-examine these cases from a fresh perspective while utilizing newly developed scientific techniques and forensic processes.
Mr. Anderson urged the public to contact law enforcement, saying, “Even if you think your information is unimportant, or you think that someone else may have already reported what you know, you should still contact us now.”
Anyone with information regarding the death of Alex Anaya is strongly encouraged to call the FBI Chicago Field Office at (312) 421-6700.
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