A 17-year-old girl named Penelope “Penny” Wise disappeared from her family’s home in Cedar Springs, Michigan, on May 31st around 6 pm and was reported missing by family members. The last known sighting of her was on security camera footage taken around midnight on June 1st as she walked alone near a bar in Rockford.
Penny Wise’s disappearance sparked an extensive search operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, US Marshals Service, Michigan State Police and the Rockland Department of Safety. Despite their efforts and numerous searches on the ground, there were no sightings or evidence regarding her whereabouts in the nearly two months following her disappearance.
Penny was believed to have left home voluntarily; however, the lack of any trace led both KCSO (Kent County Sheriff’s Office) and her family to grow increasingly concerned for her well-being. The sheriff’s office released an update on June 7th, stating that they believe she intentionally walked away from home but were worried due to the length of time since she was last seen near the bar and the lack of any sightings in the area.
Investigators received a major break in the case when an observant community member called the police at around 11 am on Sunday after recognizing the teenage girl from the missing persons flyers while she rode a bike. Upon responding to the call, law enforcement officers discovered that Wise had been living with a 44-year-old man since her disappearance on June 1st, just hours after she was last seen. The two met that night, and the girl has been residing in his house ever since.
Further investigation revealed that Wise and her older partner had gotten engaged during their time together between her disappearance and this past Sunday when she left his home on a bike and was spotted by the resident. Investigators confirmed that Penelope Wise was found safe, but sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the case.
The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet authorized any charges against the 44-year-old man who is now engaged to the teenager. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials work to piece together the details of the girl’s disappearance and reappearance, ensuring her safety and well-being in this unusual situation.
