Police identify body of missing Eli Lilly sales representative

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By The Associated Press | Friday, September 28, 2007 | (51 comment(s))

CHICAGO | A badly decomposed body found behind several vacant businesses in Calumet City this week is that of an Eli Lilly Co. sales representative reported missing nine days ago, authorities said Friday.

Dental records were used to identify the body of Nailah Franklin, 28, who was reported missing Sept. 19 after she didn't show up for a work meeting, Chicago police spokeswoman Monique Bond said. The cause of death was inconclusive, Bond said.

The woman's body was discovered Thursday not far from where her car was found in Hammond, Ind., last week.

Telephone messages left Friday with family members were not immediately returned.

Bond said investigators have not determined where the woman died, and department investigators are working with the FBI and the Calumet City Police Department. She said the case is being characterized as a death investigation, not a homicide investigation, because the cause of death had not yet been determined.

Franklin, a sales representative for Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly, had recently filed a police report about threatening phone calls she received from a man she dated briefly. Chicago police have said they've interviewed someone Franklin dated, but have not named a suspect in her disappearance.

Her disappearance triggered a frantic search. Family members and volunteers papered the city with fliers, took out a newspaper ad seeking the public's help and launched a Web site. The family also offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

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Indiana wrote on Oct 3, 2007 12:03 PM:

" I pray for the families that are involed with this young lady. This is got to stop, when someone files a complaint with their local PD, they need to follow through, i.e. check the phone records, these young ladies are warning you that someone or something is stalking them, harrassing them, and all you do is give them a piece of paper for a restraint. Is the piece of paper going to stop these killings. We need some laws changed when someone male or female files a report. "

Andy wrote on Oct 3, 2007 7:50 AM:

" So sorry for your loss. If infact is was homicide, we have some sick individuals roaming. That need to be taken out of society. "

I am sorry. wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:11 PM:

" I do want the family to know that when I heard her car was abandoned two blocks from where I lived, I did go out and look for her. Due to the fact that there are railroads, weeds, a cemetery and plently of industrial businesses. It was in vain but I am tremendously sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the family. "

It's time to get rid of abandoned buildings. wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:01 AM:

" Abandoned buildings are nothing more than a place to commit crimes. People are living in them,getting "high" in them,and using them to dump trash,and disposing of human bodies. People often park behind them to "Makeout" in the back seat of their cars too!. I live in East Chicago,and we have a lot of abandoned buildings here. Those 3 establishments have been out of business for a long time,and I have'nt heard anything about them opening again. Police Officers in Calumet City need to make routine stops behind these buildings,and the Forest Preserve,to make sure foul play is'nt going on. "

Oh Boy wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:49 AM:

" This is sad. We can blame Mayor Clay and the Gary Police Dept for this one too. "

God Speed. wrote on Oct 2, 2007 5:29 AM:

" My condolences goes to the Franklin Family. Your in my prayers. Good work for Calumet City Police. Please catch the idot who did this to this poor woman.. "

tlw wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:03 PM:

" I just want to say to the family of Nailah Franklin-I'm so sorry that something like this had to happen to your Star! I'm praying for the family. Following the news coverage I felt like I was a part of the family. Nailah is now with GOD, and I hpe there's some closure to this situation. "

Di wrote on Sep 29, 2007 10:25 AM:

" My prayers and sympathy to your family. I don't know any of you but my heart hurts for you. Trust in the Lord: she is in heaven with her God. God Bless. "

Sympathies wrote on Sep 29, 2007 9:25 AM:

" My deepest sympathies to the family. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many people during this trying time. I was truly hoping it wasn't your daughter. I hope whoever did this is brought to justice. "

How horrible wrote on Sep 29, 2007 7:06 AM:

" I'm so sorry for the families loss! From the pictures on line, she looked like a beautiful woman. I hope they find the monster that did this to her. I couldn't imagine the pain the family must be going thru. My thoughts are with you. "

Sad Ending wrote on Sep 28, 2007 9:47 PM:

" So sad to here from TV News reports that a body was found in Calumet City, IL. I was hoping it was not Nailah. What is this world coming to? A beautiful lady with such a bright future. I hope this case does not become a "Cold Case." My prayers are with the family. I prayer that justice is served soon and the family has closure of "why". May Nailah rest in peace. "

So So Sorry! wrote on Sep 28, 2007 9:27 PM:

" I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I pray that they find the person responsible for this cruel act and they get sentenced to death. What a beautiful young woman with such a promising future. My heart goes out to the entire family. God will keep you strong and help you through this horrible ordeal. I know it is hard to be comforted at this time, but just know that she is your guardian angel now and forever. I, too, lost a child, but not like this. My prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. "

In Valpo wrote on Sep 28, 2007 8:22 PM:

" What just because "he" couldn't have her he killed her? Amazing how evil, spiteful, hateful.......... I hope he gets what is coming to him. I am praying for this beautiful young lady's family. She is in Heaven, I know this. "

jen wrote on Sep 28, 2007 7:54 PM:

" This is completely and utterly a terrible tragedy. Nailah was a beautiful and successful human being and for someone to take this away from her is not human. Find this murderer and prosecute him/her to the fullest extent of the law, or better yet, let Nailah's family make that decision. And to the family, my heart and prayers are with you in this hard time, I am so sorry. Stay strong for Nailah. "

Lisa wrote on Sep 28, 2007 7:13 PM:

" I have been hoping and praying it was not her they found. I drive from Hammond to SHolland everyday. I drove past her many times, never knowing she was there. God hold her dear to his heart. God bless her family and friends. Why? I don't know you know you, but I feel like I do or could have. Your beautiful smile will never fade. "

The Police wrote on Sep 28, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Kendra, You are an idiot! There are many career opportunities in Police work, I suggest you sign up. "

I know the pain wrote on Sep 28, 2007 5:20 PM:

" I am so so sorry for your lose i feel the pain in your heart it is so full i hurt but ask GOD to take pain it do lite up a little i know i loss mind daurghter just a year ago she will allways be with you every step of the way MY PRAYERS are with you and your family. "

Valpo Rez wrote on Sep 28, 2007 5:01 PM:

" My heart dropped when I read this... what an incredible shame. I just pray that they find whomever did this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. It's interesting about how you can tell she was a warm person just from her picture, and from the energy of the people who loved her. God be with all of you. "

Keep praying wrote on Sep 28, 2007 4:59 PM:

" My family prays for this young ladies family how terrible. "

Why wrote on Sep 28, 2007 4:56 PM:

" All I can say is WHY???????? This was a beautiful smart woman. What did she do to desserve this? I pray that they find the person who did this horrible act. My deepest sympathy to all and God Bless. "

Sandi Cogan wrote on Sep 28, 2007 4:02 PM:

" I drive past that location almost every day and I just wondered last week what would be the next plans for the long vacant video store, Pizza Hut and Long John Silvers; another church? Never did I think Ms. Franklin was there. My angry tears are for that promising life,snuffed out. "

C. Sense wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:58 PM:

" She will be in the thoughts and prayers of myself and my family. May God give you the strength to see it through. "

Look To The Hills From Whence Cometh Your Help wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Looking at your sister's picture, she was a beautiful young lady. I never stop praying for the family to find their sister. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Nailah. He Sees Everything. "

To the family and friends of Nailah wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:42 PM:

" I will pray for you that will you not only get through this terrible ordeal, but that your grief will ease as the years go by, and instead you will cherish and smile at the memories of sweet Nailah. Furthermore, may God find and punish the person(s) who hurt our Nailah and all our missing Nailah's throughout the world! "

Kendra wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:21 PM:

" Just another example of poorly performed police and investigative work. Keystone cops. I swear that I could do their jobs better than they could. Pathetic! Why aren't child molesters, rapists, torturers or other violent people ever found murdered? "

Angela wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Deepest sympathy to the family. I was so hoping she would be found safe and sound. Let's hope they find and prosecute the person(s) responsible for this heinous crime. "

I found this wonderful quote, hope it helps with your grief and healing wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:04 PM:

" "I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love." "

A quote I found that I hope helps with your healing and grief wrote on Sep 28, 2007 3:03 PM:

to: blue friday wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:57 PM:

" To speculate anything about the company she worked for and make that comment is absurd. I hope that whoever committed this crime is caught and they pay for what they did. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. "

Hurt wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:54 PM:

" I did not know Nailah, but I thought about her every day. I was so sad when I heard that she was found dead. My heart goes out to the family. I will continue to pray for you all. Put jour trust in the Lord. He will take away the pain of loosing such a beautiful person. "

Toni wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:53 PM:

" I extend my heartfelt prayers and my sympathy to the entire family. May the God of Heaven see you all through each and every day and may He heal your hearts and emotions. I cry with you. God Bless and keep you is my prayer. "

So very sad wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:49 PM:

" This is so sad. It's crazy because no one I know even knew her but we have all been following the story, praying that she would be ok. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Nailah's family and friends. "

I know your pain wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:41 PM:

" I prayed with you that she would return alive & well. I share your pain. My daughter was brutally murdered nearly 14yrs ago. Let God's strentgh be your strength & His Help alight your way. Let the murderer/(s)not be able to conceal anything, I pray everything be revealed with good evidence. This must stop. Family your love shows. "

Gwen wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:39 PM:

" God bless the family and friends of Nailah. My heart is really hurting for all of you. "

Tiffany wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:34 PM:

" I am very sorry for your loss. Hopefully they will catch the person responsible and then your whole family can start to heal. God Bless You All. "

For the family... wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:23 PM:

" This hits home because I know her sister. I just want her family to know that they are in my prayers. "

terrible wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:22 PM:

" A beautiful, successful young woman was taken from us. I'm sure she's in heaven looking down on us. Our prayers go out to the family and may they catch and prosecute who ever did this to the fullest... "

To: blue friday wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:17 PM:

" Are you kidding me? She was a pharma rep, not a researcher. That's just crazy talk. How about investigating the guy that she took out an order of protection on a few weeks ago? The police have never even released his name! "

My condolences wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:12 PM:

" That infectious and charismatic smile most likely was a reflection of her inner beauty. "

To The Family: wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:10 PM:

" I hope that you can remain strong in your hardships, you had a beautiful young daughter that lived a wonderful 28 years, I know that you want her back but God called her, not in this way but justice will be served, what goes around comes around. I will pray for your family and friends and also, I will pray that whoever did this to her is found and justice served. God Bless. "

blue friday wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:02 PM:

" I wonder if Eli-Lilly had some terrible secrets that that this very pretty young lady discovered and got whacked. Overall, this is a sad day for the family. I was just hoping that she would be alive. My heart goes out to the Franklin family. "

god bless wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:59 PM:

" what a shame for such a beautiful person to lose her life. may god bless her and her family in dealing with her death. my condolences to the family. "

Jen wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:59 PM:

" God Bless the friends and family of Nailah. My thought and prayers are with you at your time of loss. "

Mike wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:50 PM:

" My condolence's go out to all the family member's of Nailah. I do hope the killer is caught and that proper judgement is handed down and not just a slap on the wrist. This young woman as well as other's do not deserve to have their lives taken away so tragically. Again my symphathy. "

So sad wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:37 PM:

" I hope they catch the monster that did this and he or she gets the needle. Anyone that takes another ones life should loose there's. As you can tell I am for the Death Penalty if a life is taken, just my opinnion .Your family will be in our thoughts here in Hammond, and may the Lord be with you as you lay her to rest. "

to the family wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:35 PM:

" so sorry for your loss. it is a shame her life ended this way. you'll be in my prayers. "

To the family wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:27 PM:

" I am so very sorry to read of your loss, she is so very pretty and so smart. Its a very tragic loss. I met Nailah once through work. At least Nailah could be at rest now. I pray to god that someone will pay for taking away her life. "

My thoughts and prayers are with you wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:19 PM:

" Just wanted to let you know - the family and friends of Nailah - that my thoughts and prayers are with you! Iris "

nwi girl wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:18 PM:

" My heart felt sympathies and condolences go out to all her family members this is such a tragedy hopefully, they will find who did this to such a nice young woman God Bless you all "

Im sorry wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:15 PM:

" To her family I prayed that it wasnt her Iam so sad my heart truly hurts I didnt know her but she must have been such a wonderful person she was a beautiful soul I can tell by the sparkle in her eyes it showed even in a photo My deepest sympathy to you all and may God Bless you all in this time of sorrow "

Cindy wrote on Sep 28, 2007 1:10 PM:

" I am so deeply sorry for your loss. This is so horrible. It is hard to beleive that there are such cruel and evil people in this world. My Prayers are with her family in there time of mourning. "

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