21 years missing: The day Alexis Patterson disappeared

In 2002, the disappearance of 7-year-old Alexis Patterson sent shockwaves through her community. Despite extensive search efforts and investigations, no trace of Alexis was ever found, leaving her family devastated and their questions unanswered. As time passed, media attention on the case waned, and Alexis's story slowly faded into the background. But for her family and loved ones, the pain and grief remain ever-present.


The Disappearance
 

Alexis Patterson resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her mother Ayanna, and stepfather LeRon Bourgeois. As a first-grader at Hi-Mount Community School, she only lived a block away from her school. On the day she disappeared, LeRon walked Alexis to school and left her just half a block away. He watched her cross the street and enter the school playground. However, to the family's horror, Alexis never made it to her classroom and was marked absent for the day.

According to The Charley Project, an organization dedicated to documenting missing person cases, students reported seeing Alexis Patterson crying on the playground both before and after school on the day she disappeared. Alexis's mother Ayanna later remembered having an argument with her daughter the night before about unfinished homework, which prevented her from bringing cupcakes to share with her classmates the following day. Despite the disagreement, Alexis left for school on time that morning.

The Investigation

At first, authorities considered the possibility that Alexis Patterson had run away. However, given her young age and exemplary attendance record, this theory seemed unlikely. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement officials broadened their search efforts by interviewing Alexis's teachers and classmates. Some students reported seeing suspicious vehicles in the area, including a red or blue van and an SUV, which were seen leaving the vicinity quickly.

Two weeks before Alexis Patterson vanished, parents of students attending Hi-Mount Community School received a letter warning them of a man attempting to abduct a boy. Additionally, school staff members noted that Alexis had been speaking with a "random lady" outside the school premises a week before her disappearance. Despite being instructed not to interact with strangers, the unidentified woman returned two days later and tried to approach Alexis once again.

Following Alexis Patterson's disappearance, both her mother Ayanna, and stepfather LeRon Bourgeois were given polygraph tests. Ayanna's results came back as a pass, but LeRon's test results were inconclusive. Adding to suspicions were LeRon's criminal history and failure to bring cupcakes to Alexis's class, as he had promised. However, LeRon passed away due to a drug overdose in 2021, leaving unanswered questions about his potential involvement in Alexis's case.

Despite numerous leads, theories, and suspects, Alexis Patterson’s case remains unsolved. Her family is still searching for answers, and the community continues to feel the weight of her disappearance.

The disappearance of Alexis Patterson serves as a poignant reminder of the need to provide equal attention, resources, and support to every missing child, regardless of their background or the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. It also emphasizes the vital importance of cultivating a shared sense of community awareness and vigilance in order to prevent similar tragedies from happening again in the future.

In the years since Alexis vanished, her family has remained committed to finding her and keeping her story alive. They have participated in events to raise awareness about missing children and have tirelessly advocated for more resources and attention for their daughter’s case. Their resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to others who have faced similar heartbreak.

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At the time of her disappearance, Alexis Patterson was 7 years old, 44 inches tall, and 42 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She had a scar under her right eye and a bump on her left pinky finger. Alexis was last seen carrying a pink Barbie backpack, wearing blue jeans, a purple shirt, white Nike sneakers, and a red hooded jacket with gray stripes. If you have any information regarding Alexis Patterson’s disappearance,

If you or anyone you know might have information call the Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 414-278-4921.

A $10,000 reward offered by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office for information that leads to the girl remains open.

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