Case Details

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This person was missing Missing Since 06/29/2011

Missing Since:

Missing Since 06/29/2011

Missing From:

Missing From Ludington, Michigan

Classification:

Classification Endangered Missing

Gender:

Female

Race:

Race White

Date of Birth:

Date of Birth 02/12/2011 (13)

Age:

Age 4 months old

Height and Weight:

Height and Weight 2’0, 12 pounds

Clothing/Jewelry Description:

Clothing/Jewelry Description A one-piece white outfit with black polka dots, black and pink flowers and pink shoulder straps.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian female. Light brown hair, blue eyes. Katherine’s nicknames are Kate and Katerbugger, and many agencies refer to her as Kate Phillips. She has a cleft chin.

Details of Disappearance:

On June 29, 2011, 11-month-old Katherine Phillips disappeared from Ludington, Michigan. Her mother, Ariel Courtland, and her boyfriend, Sean Phillips, were arguing in Sean’s car. While Ariel briefly left the car to get Katherine’s stroller, Sean drove off with Katherine.

Sean was quickly arrested, but Katherine wasn’t with him. He claimed he’d left her with Ariel, which was false. He was stressed about an upcoming military deployment and didn’t want to support another child. Ariel and Sean had even briefly considered giving Katherine up for adoption that day, but Ariel refused.

The police searched extensively, but Katherine was never found. Although Sean was initially charged with kidnapping, the charges were reduced because he was Katherine’s father (proven by a DNA test after the abduction). He was convicted of false imprisonment and sentenced to 10-15 years.

Later, a letter surfaced where Sean claimed he accidentally killed Katherine when he angrily removed her car seat from his car, unaware she was still in it. He was then charged with murder, convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to 19-45 years. This sentence runs at the same time as his false imprisonment sentence. Police believe Katherine’s death was not accidental.

Agency:

Ludington Police Department 231-869-5858

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