He’s been gone for a week.
Rev. Warren Beard, a beloved father of five and assistant pastor at New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, has gone missing, prompting his family and community to appeal for help. He was last seen on July 2 after visiting friends in Joliet, Illinois, and has not been heard from since. Concerns are high as Beard is described as someone who would not vanish without notifying his family.
The Chicago Police Department reports that Beard was last spotted leaving a gathering in Joliet around 9 p.m. on July 2. His black 2023 Honda HR-V, with Illinois license plate DY20511, was recorded by a plate-reader later that evening at Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue in Joliet. Since then, there has been no contact or sightings of Beard. He is recognizable by his multiple tattoos and pierced left ear and was last seen wearing a white button-up shirt with light blue and navy-blue polka dots, navy-blue pants, and black Cole Haan lace-up shoes.
Rev. Beard’s absence has deeply affected his church community. Senior Pastor Chenier A. Alston expressed the difficulty of conducting services without his assistant pastor, highlighting their close relationship. The church plans to hold a prayer meeting in hopes of Beard’s safe return.
The pastor’s family and friends, along with law enforcement, are actively seeking any information that could lead to his whereabouts. They urge anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department at (312) 747-8380 or call 911.
As the search continues, Beard’s loved ones are considering hiring a private investigator to aid in uncovering any leads that might shed light on his disappearance. They remain hopeful for his safe return and continue to lean on community support during this challenging time.