Plymouth Police Chief David Bacon speaks during a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 17. Photo taken from a screengrab broadcast by WNDU.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Mercedes Lain

PLYMOUTH – Three people have been arrested as Plymouth Police continue to seek the public’s assistance in finding a missing 11-month-old from Marshall County.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, a Statewide Silver Alert was declared for Mercedes Lain, an 11-month-old girl. She was in the care of Justin L. Miller, 37, at the time.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, the FBI has released new information on when Mercedes was last seen. Mercedes Lain was last seen at 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, in Mishawaka.

Officers were contacted by Mercedes’ father, Kenny Lain, who wanted to file a missing persons report on Mercedes.

Miller was found early Monday, Aug. 16, in Starke County and was taken into custody for neglect of a dependent.

Kenny Lain and Tiffany Coburn, Mercedes’ mother, have also both been arrested for neglect of a dependent due to Mercedes’ disappearance.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 17, Plymouth Police Chief David Bacon described Miller as a family friend who was babysitting Mercedes.

“We’re asking for the public’s help,” said Bacon. “We know that Mercedes was seen by various individuals in Marshall, St. Joe and Starke Counties. We’re looking to establish the sequence of events. The three people we have in custody have spoken to investigators. All their information does not corroborate each other…our main focus is to bring Mercedes home safely.”

Officials are asking anyone who has had contact with Mercedes’ biological parents or Miller in the last week to contact police.

“If anyone knows anything or if you have her, please bring her home,” said Stacy Milton, Mercedes’ aunt. “She’s very loved and we want her home.”

Michiana Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for anonymous tips that lead to Mercedes being found. Call (574) 288-STOP or go to Michiana Crime Stoppers’ website.

Departments investigating Mercedes’ disappearance include the Plymouth Police Department, the FBI, Indiana State Police, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.