Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore

Episode: Not Forgotten: Missing Person of the Week: January 2026

Date: January 31, 2026
Hosts: Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore
Podcast: Crime House

Episode Overview

This special installment of Clues shines a spotlight on unresolved missing persons cases, featuring a January 2026 recap. Hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore revisit four cases previously discussed this month—John Tucson Doe, Shakaya Blue Harding, Keshia Sylvester, and Janiah McMichael—urging listeners to keep these disappearances in the public eye. The episode provides new details, context, and updates, while encouraging the audience to share missing persons posters and contribute any information they may have.

Key Discussion Points and Case Summaries

1. John Tucson Doe (Case No. UP7236 — DNA Doe Project)

[03:06 - 04:14]

• Discovery: Remains of an unidentified young man found by water surveyors outside Tucson on October 1, 1998.
• Physical Description:
  • Approx. 6 feet tall, 252 pounds
  • Short curly hair, tan shorts, pullover shirt
  • Estimated age: 17–23
  • Race: Unclear
• State of Remains: Authorities believe he'd been dead for multiple days before being found.
• Current Efforts: Composite sketch available and shared on podcast socials. Listeners are directed to Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner if they recognize him.
• Identifying Info: DNA Doe Project ID UP7236.
• Quote (Morgan Absher, 03:33):
  “If this person looks familiar to you, we will have a link for you to get in contact with the agency of jurisdiction ... There’s also a few other links that we’ll put in the description with a bit more information.”

2. Shakaya Blue Harding

[04:14 - 06:19]

• Background: Missing indigenous woman, last seen in Billings, Montana, July 25, 2018.
• Key Details:
  • Bus ticket to Grand Junction, CO was bought (July 4th weekend, 2018) but likely unused.
  • Multiple possible sightings in Phoenix, AZ (Children’s Hospital, Sky Harbor Airport, local clubs/intersections).
  • Sightings also reported near Sam’s Club and Walmart in Great Falls, MT, often with an older male.
• Personal Connections: Family in Fort Belknap, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Fort Riley, Kansas.
• Description:
  • DOB: Nov 28, 1998 (19 at disappearance)
  • 5’4”, approx. 125 lbs, black hair (may be short), brown eyes, 5” scar on left shin, may have limp
  • Alternate names: Kaya, Blue, or spelling variations (Shakia, Shakayah, etc.)
  • Alternate surname: Haughtyng
• Significant Note:
  “It is believed at this time that Shakaya is a victim of human trafficking.” (Kaelyn Moore, 06:10)
• Contact Info: Detective Jam (406-256-2925) or Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office (406-256-2929).

3. Keshia Sylvester

[06:19 - 08:13]

• Background: Disappeared on September 22, 2017, from Brobridge, Louisiana.
• Descriptors:
  • 29 years old, described as Black female
  • 5’2”, 145 lbs
• Suspicious Circumstances:
  • Purse and cellphone left at home
  • Dinner left on stove, last paycheck never picked up, missed daughter’s prom
  • Had been excited for her daughter’s event and was in frequent contact with family
  • Landlord quickly moved Keshia’s belongings and her trailer, potentially destroying evidence
  • Law enforcement seized landlord’s computers, but no updates yet from these items.
• Quote (Morgan Absher, 06:45):
  “Her purse and cell phone were left behind at her home. The food that she had made for dinner was left on the stove. ... She also missed her daughter’s prom. This was all super uncharacteristic of her behavior.”
• Quote (Kaelyn Moore, 08:23 & Morgan Absher, 08:25):
  "Sounds like one of those ones where someone knows something."
  "Someone definitely knows something."
• Contact: St. Martin’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, 337-394-3071.

4. Janiah McMichael

[08:30 - 10:28]

• Case Overview: 14-year-old from Gary, Indiana, reported missing August 12, 2024.
• Current Status: FBI and local police strongly suspect foul play.
• Mother’s Statement:
  • Initially treated as possible runaway, but now considered highly suspicious.
  • Ongoing investigation and search warrants executed (details withheld to protect investigation).
• Reward: Combined $30,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction.
• Description at Disappearance: Black hoodie, black pajama pants, red/black shoes.
• Memorable Quote (Janiah’s Grandmother, 09:28):
  “One year ago today, I got a phone call from my daughter saying that my granddaughter Janaya ran away. I... don’t believe she ran away. There have been leads, but no solid leads. Nothing. It’s just like she vanished.”
• Contact: Lead Detective Sgt. David Umbarger, Gary PD (219-881-1209 / umbarger@gary.gov), FBI Tip Line (1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov).

Calls to Action

• Hosts repeatedly implore listeners to share case posters on social media, emphasizing community involvement in keeping these names visible.
• Listener input is welcomed; audience suggestions drive which cases are covered next.
• Quote (Morgan Absher, 10:28):
  “Please again continue to share and amplify these cases and leave any that you want us to cover in the comments. We are picking a lot of our cases now thanks to you guys.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the power of community and sharing:
  “Thanks guys. ... It’s really spread the word.” (Morgan Absher, 03:00)
• On suspicious landlord activity in Keshia’s case:
  “Whoa. The landlord moving the trailer right afterwards. Within just a few days, all of...” (Kaelyn Moore, 07:58)
• On persistent investigation:
  “Gary Police Department continues to work on active leads with the FBI and urges anyone with information related to Janiah’s disappearance to come forward.” (Kaelyn Moore, 09:45)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [03:06] John Tucson Doe Case overview
• [04:14] Shakaya Blue Harding Case overview
• [06:19] Keshia Sylvester Case discussion begins
• [08:30] Janiah McMichael recap and reward information
• [10:28] Community call-to-action for sharing and suggesting cases
• [10:41] Podcast wrap-up: new episodes, community engagement

Tone and Language

The hosts maintain a supportive, urgent, and empathetic tone, regularly addressing listeners as partners in the effort to find missing people and emphasizing how even small actions—like sharing a poster—can make a significant difference.

Summary

This episode of Clues dedicates itself to ensuring four missing individuals remain in public consciousness and that new leads are pursued. With thorough case recaps, direct appeals for listener engagement, and clear instructions on how to help or report information, Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore activate their audience as a crucial part of each ongoing investigation. This is both a broadcast and a call for action, handled with sensitivity and an unwavering commitment to justice.