MIDDLETOWN – A Middletown family is begging for help more than a year after the disappearance of their loved one, marching to city hall and to the Middletown Police Department demanding answers.
Nina Coe was last seen July 16, 2015, in the middle of the afternoon when she returned from an appointment. Middletown Police issued a Silver Alert for Coe.
One year and three months later, family, friends and police are still searching for the now 57-year-old.
Her family says they feel "insulted" by unanswered calls to the mayor's office and investigators. They're also upset Coe's boyfriend, who was arrested for violating a restraining order, is now out of jail.
On Thursday, five of Coe's brothers and sisters decided to ask their questions in person. They marched into city hall and into Mayor Daniel Drew's office, but learned Drew was in a meeting outside of the building.
Then, they marched to police headquarters chanting "Justice for Nina." Police Chief William McKenna agreed to meet with the family, along with the assistant chief and other officers involved in the investigation.
"They did give me some information, but it is still under investigation. Right now, going forward, I am calmer," said Coe's brother Michael Plourde.
He added, "We have to continue to search for my sister and get the people that are responsible for this."
In July, one year after her disappearance, the family confronted police then as well. Police said at the time they were still looking into her disappearance.
Police suspect foul play in her disappearance as it is “not in her character to lose contact with her family for such a lengthy period of time.”
Gov. Dan Malloy signed an Offer of Reward of up to $20,000 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons found guilty of a crime committed against Coe in relation to her disappearance.
Nina is 5-foot-2 tall, 130 pounds and wears glasses and has a tattoo on her leg.
Middletown Mayor Daniel Drew and Middletown Police Chief William McKenna released the following statement on Thursday morning:
All of the people of Middletown extend their condolences to the Coe family. We can’t imagine the pain they feel during this missing persons investigation for their loved one, Nina Coe.
Our investigation into Ms. Coe’s disappearance is active and ongoing. We have deployed teams of detectives, officers in search parties, dive teams, K-9 teams, and helicopters in our search for her and will continue to follow any related leads. These resources have come from the City of Middletown, neighboring jurisdictions, and the State of Connecticut.
From an ethical standpoint, it is appropriate for the Middletown Police Department to communicate directly only with Ms. Coe’s next-of-kin. In this case that is her daughter.
We continue to investigate this case and will not cease until we have answers. We extend to Ms. Coe’s family, on behalf of the people of Middletown, our sympathies.
Thank you.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Middletown Police at 860-638-4000.
