SheWhoMustNotBeNamed
Former Member
Missing Since: September 24, 1984 from Chicago, Illinois
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: October 15, 1982
Age: 1 year old
Height and Weight: 3'0, 50 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: African-American female. Black hair, brown eyes. Deborah has a scar on her right ear.
Details of Disappearance
Deborah was initially abducted by her non-custodial father, Odell Sheppard, from her residence in Chicago, Illinois on September 24, 1984. Deborah's mother, Norell Sanders, told authorities that Sheppard arrived at their home and proceeded to argue and struggle with Norell over Deborah. He then grabbed the child and left the home. Sheppard allowed Norell to speak to her daughter once over the phone some time after Sheppard abducted the child. That was the last time anyone has heard from Deborah. Sheppard phone Norell again shortly after the conversation and insinuated that the next time she saw her daughter, Deborah would be deceased.
Sheppard was apprehended by authorities in 1988 and served ten years in prison for contempt of court for refusing to divulge where his daughter was located. This is the longest recorded sentence for contempt of court in United States history. Sheppard claimed he took Deborah to a family member's funeral in Tennessee after leaving Chicago, but returned her to her mother's care in December 1984. Deborah's mother says none of this is true. Deborah's relatives have not seen her since her initial abduction.
Sheppard was released from prison in 1998, but has continued to maintain silence regarding Deborah's case. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Illinois State Police
847-294-4400
