A Chicago teacher has mysteriously vanished, sparking concern from her loved ones and the community.
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Linda Brown, 53, has not been seen since the afternoon of January 3, when she left her Bronzeville home for what was supposed to be a routine acupuncture appointment. According to police, Brown was last spotted in the 4500 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. She was expected to travel to the Wicker Park area, but never arrived and has made no contact since.
Her husband, Antwon Brown, said the uncertainty has been overwhelming.
“I am terrified,” he said. “I am just shaking. I need my wife home.” He added that she never missed her appointment and that her disappearance has left the family desperate for answers.
Investigators believe Brown was driving a blue Honda Civic with an Illinois license plate CX57470. Authorities say the vehicle may be somewhere near the 2200 block of West North Avenue. Family members confirmed she left with her phone, purse, and credit cards, adding to fears about her safety.
“We are just trying our best to locate her,” said her brother-in-law, Lorenzo Quintana. “We are looking everywhere we possibly can.”
Police have indicated that Brown may require medical assistance. Relatives told NBC Chicago that she was scheduled to return to her teaching position with Chicago Public Schools this week after a leave of absence. Her sister, Lisa Quintana, said the situation is deeply unsettling, calling it “so not like her.”
At Robert Healy Elementary School, where Brown works, Principal Erin Kamradt notified families and acknowledged the emotional toll on the school community.
“I know that news like this can cause many emotions, questions, and concerns for our school community,” Kamradt wrote. “Please know that we are partnering with the CPS Crisis Management Unit to support our students and staff members.”
Brown is described as standing between 5 feet and 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 130 to 140 pounds, with a fair complexion. She was last seen wearing a long black puffy coat and shiny UGG-style boots.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Area One SVU detectives at 312 747 8380.
