Fundraiser held for missing Smyrna mother’s children
A tremendous community effort continued on Friday night in Dover. A fundraiser was held in honor of Keisha Hamilton, a Smyrna mother of four, who was last seen on January 9th.
According to Keisha’s sister, Janell, the family has prepared for the worst.
“We know that she’s not still alive. We know my sister Keisha is not alive. We know that she’s not with us anymore.” Says Foster.
According to Delaware State Police, no body has been recovered since the search began and they will not confirm whether Hamilton is believed to be dead. Sergeant Richard Bratz tells 47 ABC, a Gold Alert is still in effect for the Smyrna mother of four.
Her children are now in the custody of Hamilton’s younger sister, a driving force behind the fundraiser hosted at the Correctional Officer’s Association of Delaware (“COAD”) in Dover. They say the funds will primarily go towards Keisha’s two youngest children, 4-year-old Colette and 4-month-old Cortez. The two were also reported missing in January, but they were found later in Indiana with their father who is now facing a number of charges including child endangerment.
Officer Glenenise Parks tells us the COAD has been planning for about two weeks, after an officer who knew the family heard about the ongoing investigation.
“Just like Keisha, I have four children and if something were to happen to me at any point in time…my biggest concern would be my children, so I know Keisha would feel the same way and would want this for her children.” Says Parks.
Through their hardest days, Janell says the family is staying strong.
“It’s an honor to be able to take them in. I want to have them. I want to raise them how I know my sister would have, so I don’t find it hard. Right now, I’m holding onto her children and loving them and looking at them and finding pieces of her and her spirit.” Says Foster.
They’re also giving thanks to the people who have helped their family along the way.
A GoFundMe account has been set up on behalf of the family. If you would like to help, please visit here.
