12 years missing, but not forgotten: Wreath laid for Alexis Patterson

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's been 12 years since 7-year-old Alexis Patterson has gone missing and Saturday morning, May 3rd loved ones held a wreath laying in her honor.

It was a solemn Saturday morning outside of Hi-Mount Boulevard Community School.

"Milwaukee is not a city that forgets about its lost children," said Patterson's grandfather.

Members of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and loved ones gather to remember Alexis Patterson.

"This community has a void in it because Alexis Patterson did not show up at this school 12 years ago," said Patterson's grandfather.

A brief wreath-laying ceremony was held for the girl who was just 7-years-old when she disappeared on her way to school on May 3rd, 2002.

"Its important to not let a year go by that we don`t acknowledge that this community this city and the Patterson family has closure as to what may have happened to Alexis Patterson," said Patterson's grandfather.

It's been 12 years since she vanished but family members are feeling a sense of positivity in their hearts.

"We believe she is still on this earth and hopefully she will return home one day. I don't know what happened, whoever has her needs to bring her back," said Patterson's grandfather.

As they release balloons into the sky, family members still hold onto memories of the little girl with a bright smile.

"I miss her very much. I use to pick her up, go out to ride and eat," said Patterson's grandfather.

More than a decade later they are still not discouraged, instead, hoping this anniversary can spark new leads.

The Sheriff's Office is still offering a $10,000 dollar reward for information that leads to her return.

Deputies are asking anyone with information to call: 414-278-4766