By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Sept. 13, 2001
Alabama law enforcement officials have launched a search for a Vancleave, Miss., family after both parents and their 4-month-old baby were discovered missing Saturday.
Donald Lolley, sheriff of Choctaw County, Ala., said his department is working closely with Mississippi Gulf Coast law enforcement agencies, the Alabama Bureau of Investigations and the Alabama Bureau of Missing Persons. A nationwide alert has also been broadcast, he said.
Jonathan, Alisha and Courtney Nicole Hartzog were last seen Saturday when they left the Gilbertown, Ala., home of Jonathan's parents, Theda and Mark Hartzog. The family of three was headed back to their own home in Vancleave, northwest of Pascagoula.
Theda Hartzog said her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter left her home around 10:30 a.m. and headed for Vancleave by traveling through Mobile.
Hartzog said ABI investigators discovered the family's bank card had been used at a Shell station in Mobile around 2 p.m. Saturday; it's unclear if the family or someone else used the card. Jonathan Hartzog did not report to work Sunday.
Theda Hartzog said she is concerned for the baby, who has an acid reflux problem because she was born premature.
The Hartzogs and the Alabama Bureau of Investigations have posted missing signs in both Mississippi and Alabama. Residents with information can contact Lolley at 205-459-2166 or 205-459-2024.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.