Watch CBS News

Family of missing 5-yr.-old Arizona girl asks, why no national media coverage?

Jahessye Shockley File, AP Photo/Glendale Police Department

(CBS/KPHO) PHOENIX - Although last week's disappearance of Jhessye Shockley has been covered faithfully by local media, the grandmother of the 5-year-old Arizona girl is wondering why her granddaughter's case has received very little national coverage.

"I want the national media to pick it up. I won't stop until they do. I don't know why it's not national now," said Shirley Johnson, Shockley's grandmother, CBS affiliate KPHO reports. "They have that ability to send out to other states. They have that ability to make sure someone from across the nation (knows) what is going on."

Jhessye Shockley was last seen on Oct. 11 at her Glendale home by her three older siblings while their mother was running an errand. Police believe she left their apartment through the front door but don't know what happened next. Police said Monday they now believe the 5-year-old was most likely kidnapped.

Paul Penzone, a retired Phoenix police sergeant and child advocate, said he's also noticed the dearth of national coverage, KPHO reports.

"I don't know what's missing or why, but in our community this is a big deal. We'd hope it would get national media in hopes of getting a successful recovery," said Penzone.

Penzone, who was formerly a spokesperson for Silent Witness, a group that combats domestic violence, now works as a panelist on The Nancy Grace Show.

"I have spoken to producers there and kind of put a bug in their ear, saying please keep an eye on this case. This is a precious little girl, and maybe you guys can take a look at covering this and help them find her," said Penzone. "Continued coverage absolutely is critical. The eyes of the community are going to be biggest tool for law enforcement if this little girl is somewhere where she can be seen and recovered."

More on Crimesider
October 17, 2011 - Police: Missing 5-yr.-old Arizona girl was likely kidnapped
October 13, 2011 - Search for Ariz. girl, 5, missing since Tuesday

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.