A community’s grief was palpable as they gathered outside the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, demanding answers in the case of 15-year-old La’Niyah Clark. The young girl, known for her kindness and patience, particularly in teaching others sign language, left a lasting impression on all who met her.
“She had so much patience for people, more than you could ever, ever know. She was an amazing kid. She was so smart,” said Sabrina Smith, La’Niyah’s grandmother. Her adoptive mother, Ameerah Woods, added, “Lala made an impression on every person that she saw, every person that she met loved Lala because of her spirit.”
Wilkes-Barre Police Department Facebook
La’Niyah, who went missing on January 17 in Wilkes-Barre, was the focus of a gathering outside the police department. Her remains, which have yet to be officially confirmed, were believed to have been found in South Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. Family and friends expressed frustration over the police department’s perceived inaction, questioning why an Amber Alert was not issued.
City officials, including Police Chief Michael Boyle, did not respond to requests for comment. The department posted a missing person alert on Facebook on January 23, followed by a media release on February 10. Luzerne County District Attorney Sanguedolce indicated that while the remains found were believed to be connected to La’Niyah’s case, no cause of death had been determined.
Family: No answers coming ‘until arrests are made’
Outside the police department, about 50 supporters gathered, holding signs and chanting for justice. Woods, La’Niyah’s adoptive mother, recounted the police informing the family about finding their daughter’s body. “And that they said they can’t (give) as much details right now until arrests are made,” Woods noted.
Despite tensions between La’Niyah’s biological and adoptive families, both sides emphasized the need for police accountability. “Her biological grandmother has the right to grieve, but her adoptive family does as well,” family friend Candice Lowe said.
What all agreed on: WB police failed La’Niyah
Woods criticized the police for their delayed response, stating that no detective was assigned until days after La’Niyah was reported missing. “It doesn’t matter if she was a runaway or someone took her, there should have been some kind of urgency,” she argued, highlighting La’Niyah’s vulnerability as a deaf minor.
Multiple signs suggested La’Niyah was not a runaway, Woods mentioned, noting prepared school clothes and a note left for a friend.
Search warrant request gives insight into discovery
A search warrant filed by Detective James Conmy gave more details about the discovery of La’Niyah’s body. Found in a garage on Thayer Street, the remains showed possible signs of trauma. The property owner, Luis Perez, mentioned no abnormalities when he last visited the site.
The affidavit noted the deceased’s physical characteristics matched La’Niyah, who was reported missing on January 17. The garage’s proximity to La’Niyah’s home added to the case’s complexity.
‘Lala was sweet. She loved animals.’
Woods fondly remembered La’Niyah as a caring individual who loved animals and other children. “She just adored them. She was goofy, like, very goofy, and quick-witted,” Woods said. Smith echoed this sentiment, describing her granddaughter’s immense patience and intelligence.
‘She had a family that loved her’
Smith criticized the foster care system, arguing that La’Niyah should never have been removed from her family. “She was my baby. She was my granddaughter, but she was like my baby,” she lamented.
Concerns were also raised about a Protection From Abuse order against a relative, with Woods questioning why police had not pursued this lead more aggressively.
Woods recounted the day La’Niyah went missing, emphasizing the family’s immediate efforts to find her. She criticized the Wilkes-Barre Police Department for their lack of urgency, stating, “I believe they had it made up in their minds before any words were spoken.”
