FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE:
On this afternoon, the Jackson Police Department was informed by federal authorities that the deceased body of 3-year-old Janae McGill had been located in Alabama during and extensive search of the area where the body of her mother, Shardee McGill was recovered.
“We will continue to update the public as this case continues to develop,” JPD said in a release. “We ask you to join us as we continue to pray for the families of the victims during this very traumatic event.”
FRIDAY UPDATE:
Sheriff and Acting Police Chief Tyree Jones had a press conference Friday morning to reiterate the facts of the case at this time, adding that police encourage anyone with information to please reach out to law enforcement.
Jones said there has not been an Amber Alert so far because it may not qualify since Janae left the home with her mother, so there was no kidnapping at the front of the crime. In lieu of that, Jones said, law enforcement has utilized social media to keep the case in front of people.
Shardee was married to the child’s father, who has been questioned in Alabama where her vehicle was found, Jones said. The child’s father, who reported them missing from their North Jackson home, had traveled to Alabama as well, where he was detained and then questioned and released. The mother and child had left together for Alabama, but there’s nothing to point to the father’s traveling there with them.
If there is evidence to support that Shardee was killed in Jackson, JPD would be the investigating agency, but Jones said it was too early to tell.
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THURSDAY UPDATE:
The mother, Shardee McGill was found deceased. The child is still missing.
This morning, around 10:00 a.m. Jackson police said they were notified by the Jackson FBI that the body of McGill was found in Epes Alabama. Interim Jackson Police Chief Sheriff Tyree Jones said her body was found in a shallow body of water. The cause of death is unknown but appears suspicious, according to Sheriff Jones.
Multiple agencies assisted in the search.
Jackson police are working closely with the FBI, MBI, and authorities in Alabama on the case.
They are still searching for 3-year-old Janae McGill. Janae is approximately 3” tall and weighs approximately 40 lbs.
The police department released a statement saying, “Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of the victim, and we ask you to join us in praying for the rapid and safe recovery of Janae. This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information in reference to this case, please contact the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477)”
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Original story (Published 9/25/25):
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has activated a Missing and Endangered Child alert for 3-year-old Janae McGill on behalf of the Jackson Police Department.
Janae was last seen around 3 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, in the 300 block of Northtown Drive in Hinds County. She is described as 3 feet tall, about 40 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair in ponytails.
Jackson Police Looking For Missing Mother And 3-Year-Old Daughter
Investigators say Janae may be with her mother, Shardee McGill, described as a 32-year-old African American woman, 4 feet 11 inches tall, about 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Shardee was last seen driving a 2017 black Chevrolet Equinox with Mississippi tag HNJ 817. Authorities report the vehicle has since been found abandoned in Alabama. Janae is believed to be in danger, and their current whereabouts are unknown.
Anyone who sees Janae or Shardee, or who has information about the case, should call the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234 or 911 immediately.
