A Far North Queensland grandmother says she is desperately “crying out for answers” about her teenage grandson, who has been missing for almost two months.
Key points:
- Markyia Major, 17, has been missing since August 27
- Family members have been conducting their own searches alongside police
- Police say their investigation into the teen’s “out of character” disappearance is ongoing
‘Auntie’ Adelaide Sands said 17-year-old Markyia Major had not been seen since he ran into a relative’s Yarrabah home, near Cairns, between 3am and 4am on August 27.
She said the family had asked him to stay, but he asked for a drink of water before leaving in a car.
“We are desperate. We are crying out for answers,” Auntie Adelaide said.
The teen’s mother Kamaree Major, who last saw her son in mid-August, said his disappearance had torn her family.
“I’m not sleeping, the family are devastated,” she said.
“Someone out there knows something and they need to tell police,” she said.
Investigation continues
Cairns police last month launched a major investigation into the teen’s disappearance.
Police have today told the ABC that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The teen’s family and members of the Yarrabah community today gathered on the beach, holding missing person posters of the teenager.
Ms Major said initially the family thought he may have been “hiding out in fear”.
“But the longer it goes on — with every day that passes — our fear for him grows stronger.
“As a mother I need to know.”
In recent months Markyia had been living in central Cairns, 10km west of Yarrabah.
Maternal grandmother ‘Auntie’ Adelaide said Markyia was a quiet boy who loved fishing but had become involved with “the wrong crew”.
“Nobody cannot know nothing, I believe someone does know something about Markyia.”
Family searches, appeals for information
Paternal grandmother Moira Murgha said she last saw Markyia at a family barbecue in August and his disappearance was out of character.
“We just thought he went walkabout but it’s been a bit too long,” Ms Murgha said.
“He usually goes on a week’s outing and back home again, he always comes back home.”
Ms Murgha said the family had been searching Yarrabah and Cairns.
“We go out and search the beaches too, looking around the city, friends’ places,” she said.
She and the family appealed to Markyia and anyone who may know where he is to come forward.
“Markyia come home, your family are here, worried and stressed,” Ms Murgha said.
“Your brothers and sisters are missing you, everyone’s missing you. Just come home.
“Whatever you’ve done, we’ll try and fix it.”
Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.