ST. LOUIS - The family of Michelle Harper, 38, hopes someone knows what has happened to her.

A missing persons report was filed with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department after the mother of three went missing in March.

Alice Dixon, Harper’s aunt, said her niece’s active social media presence also went silent.

“Her three children are without their mom,” she said.

Dixon said Harper has mental health needs.  She hopes anyone with information about her whereabouts will contact family members or the police.

As of Friday, there were 108 missing persons cases listed on the Missouri State Highway Patrol website. 

“I want to know where my niece is, but I feel like this issue is bigger than Michelle,” said Dixon.  “We need more resources.”

She feels the St. Louis Police Department is not adequately staffed to give each case the attention it deserves.

“The detective, when I talked to her, I could just tell that she’s overworked,” said Dixon. 

A spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the department does not disclose personnel assignments but added, “The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department takes every missing person report seriously, and each case is treated with urgency and compassion. Our detectives work diligently, using all available resources, to pursue leads and bring answers to families who are experiencing unimaginable worry and fear.”

Earlier this year, Missouri lawmakers passed legislation that will create the “Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls Task Force.” 

State Senator Angela Mosley pushed for that legislation. Dixon is hopeful it will make a difference. 

The bill becomes law on Aug. 28.

Anyone with information about Harper’s whereabouts can contact the St. Louis Police Department at 314-231-1212 or the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-526-6178 or missingpersons@mshp.dps.mo.gov.