Holding onto Hope: Milwaukee approaches 20th anniversary of Alexis Patterson’s disappearance

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) — Tuesday, Might 3 will mark a solemn anniversary in Milwaukee, reaching 20 years since Alexis Patterson went lacking.

Alexis was final seen on her strategy to Hello-Mount Elementary College on Might 3, 2002. She was 7 years previous on the time. Since then, she has been lacking with no hint.

Twenty years later, the disappearance of Alexis Patterson is a chilly case.

For a number of years, town of Milwaukee has issued proclamations every month of Might in honor of Alexis. 

Her mom, Ayanna Patterson, hosted a personal memorial on Sunday, Might 1, which she known as an “awakening.”

“It has been twenty years, and it is a onerous battle. A tough battle. I am not giving up ever,” Patterson mentioned.

Sunday’s particular gathering on Milwaukee’s north facet featured tales, songs, poems and images, all in honor of Alexis.

Amongst dozens of household and mates have been three of Alexis’ former academics, one among which, Alexis’ mom nonetheless calls “Miss Lisa.” Her actual title is Aleisa Quinones, and she or he has grow to be a detailed household good friend and a voice in Alexis’ case.

“Regardless of if it’s important to exit of the state or in a foreign country, I’ll go together with her to assist her discover her baby,” Quinones mentioned.

To today, Ayanna Patterson is definite that her daughter is alive and was beforehand recognized.

“I discovered my daughter in 2016. Lisa Miller is my daughter,” Patterson mentioned.

Six years in the past, officers adopted a tip {that a} lady in Ohio could be Alexis. The girl had strikingly comparable options, together with matching delivery marks and a bump on her finger. On the time, police decided the DNA wasn’t a match.

Ayanna says she does not consider the DNA check was performed appropriately, if in any respect. She informed reporters she has grow to be more and more annoyed with police’s involvement on the case.

I do not depend upon the police. I depend upon my folks,” Patterson mentioned. 

She maintains that Lisa Miller is absolutely her daughter, however police nonetheless say it is not a match, and the case stays chilly.

“Consider me. if I say, ‘that is my daughter,’ consider me as a result of I do know mine. I am not simply saying that simply to say it. I do know my baby,” Patterson mentioned.

Household and mates are staying supportive, saying gatherings like this are necessary to maintain Alexis’ title alive.

“We’re nonetheless trying to find her, and we will search till there is no extra. We’ll preserve combating till the tip,” Quinones mentioned.

Holding onto hope and dealing to get Alexis dwelling after 20 years.

“Alexis, Mama is coming for you, and you recognize it. She is aware of. We do not surrender,” Patterson mentioned.

Whereas Sunday’s occasion was personal, there will likely be a public gathering at Hello-Mount Elementary College on Tuesday, Might 3, 2022, the twentieth anniversary of Alexis’ disappearance. The gathering begins at 9 a.m.

Alexis Patterson’s disappearance remains to be within the arms of Milwaukee Police Division’s chilly case unit, in addition to the FBI.