July 6, 2011
Search for Missing Jamaica Plain Woman Continues
Dan Meyer READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Boston police have yet to find any sign or trace of a Jamaica Plain woman who has been missing for two weeks.
Amber Devoe, 28, was last seen in the quaint Boston neighborhood popular among the city's LGBT residents on June 21.
Despite rumored sightings in the South End and even in Rye, N.H., Krista Clement, a friend of Devoe's, said none have been confirmed. And Devoe's family has discredited the most credible report.
"It is out of character for her and it is doubtful that she would be walking around just not contacting anyone," said Devoe. "She was last heard from on Tuesday the 21st of June."
When asked what her occupation was, Clement declined to respond, but added that "she seemed to feel safe in JP and nothing is currently known about any previous incidents of harassment."
A Facebook page developed to help in the search has been flooded with well-wishes for the family and prayers for the missing woman's safe return.
"Amber, you started off as my coach and ended up my best friend. I miss you and please come home safe soon," wrote Courtney Harman.
In addition, many users have suggested places where she might be found, including Indiana Beach, where she visited three years ago. "At the time, it was one of Amber's favorite places to go," added Katie Rhodes.
Devoe's car is also missing, but it hasn't been seen since her disappearance. The Facebook page said the black 2007 Chrysler 300M has a Massachusetts license plate "8LS 600."
"I ... never met her," Gunner Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, and a prominent figure among JP's LGBT residents. "It is distressing to me to think the last place she was seen was [allegedly] on her porch in JP."
The police are asking residents to be vigilant in their search for Devoe. She is 5'-8", approximately 180 pounds and has blond spiked hair in a faux-hawk style.
According to the Jamaica Plain Patch, Devoe often wears baggy clothing usually designed by American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister.
"Essentially, there are no new updates at this time," said James Kenneally of the Boston Police Department. "If anyone sees Amber, we ask them to contact police immediately."
People who may have information about Devoe's whereabouts are urged to contact the Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS.
Dan Meyer is a young professional whose stories have appeared in publications such as The Advocate online and UCLA's LGBT magazine entitled "OutWrite." He is also a part-time ESL teacher in Boston.
