SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — A community is holding out hope for progress in the case of a missing Shelby County four-year-old.
Serenity McKinney was last seen by extended family members on Christmas Eve 2020 but reported missing to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department more than a year later.
On Sunday, family, friends and strangers gathered at the steps of the Shelby County Courthouse praying for Serenity’s safe return.
During the vigil, family members expressed the importance of keeping her name and face in the public eye. The family said it’s important to keep Serenity’s name and face in the public eye.
The relayed to WHAS11 News that police told them they are following up on leads, but there has been no public update to share.
Since the missing person’s report was filed two weeks ago, the family says they are heartbroken and desperate for answers.
Chris Banta has seen that pain up close; he's Serenity's great uncle.
"The whole family is hurting right now," Banta said. "We just want to get more awareness out there so she can be brought home safe."
Organizer of Sunday's vigil, Danielle Ingabrand, stressed the vigil wasn't about remembering or mourning Serenity, but to keep the call to action alive.
"We know she's out there and she's somewhere and we just want someone to step forward with where she is," Ingabrand said.
Her loved ones are also still prayerful that she’s out there somewhere and they're thankful for the outpouring of support.
"We are so grateful for all the people who have come out tonight in this frigid weather," Leslie Gibson, Serenity's great aunt, said.
Serenity's mother Catherine McKinney along with her boyfriend were arrested in Kansas and were charged with custodial interference. Both should be extradited to Kentucky within seven to ten days.
If you have any information that can help police in this case, you are asked to call the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (502) 633-2323.
PHOTOS: Missing Shelby County 4-year-old Serenity McKinney
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