Grant Career Center Criminal Justice seniors recently had the opportunity to hear a powerful, real-life story of determination, advocacy, and the continuing search for justice when Shyla Jump visited the school to share the story of her grandmother, Charlotte Heimann, whose disappearance remains unsolved. 
The timing of Shyla’s visit was especially meaningful for the Criminal Justice seniors, who have just begun their “Big Project,” an in-depth examination of cold cases. As part of the project, students are researching unresolved cases, reviewing available evidence, studying timelines, identifying unanswered questions, and exploring whether a fresh set of eyes can help uncover new information or generate renewed interest in a case.
Shyla’s presentation gave students a firsthand look at what a cold case means to the family behind it.
Charlotte was just 27 years old when she disappeared in Rochester, New York, on October 30, 1981. More than four decades later, her family is still searching for answers.
During her visit, Shyla walked students through her grandmother’s story and shared the work she has done to keep Charlotte’s case alive. She discussed the importance of records, timelines, witness information, media coverage, persistence, and continuing to ask questions even when years have passed without a resolution.
For students beginning their own cold case research, Shyla’s visit provided an important reminder that these cases are not simply assignments, files, or mysteries to solve. Every case represents a real person, a real family, and loved ones who may have spent decades waiting for answers.
That human element is an important part of the Criminal Justice seniors’ Big Project.
Students will be challenged to approach their cases with the same attention to detail, professionalism, and respect that would be expected in a real investigation. They will examine what is known, what may have been overlooked, how investigative techniques have changed, and whether modern resources or renewed public attention could potentially create movement in cases that have gone cold.
Shyla’s experience also showed students the impact that one determined person can have.
Her efforts have helped bring renewed attention to Charlotte’s disappearance and have ensured that her grandmother’s story continues to be heard. By speaking with the Criminal Justice seniors, Shyla gave students the opportunity to see how persistence, research, advocacy, and investigative thinking can come together in the search for truth.
As the seniors begin digging into their own cold cases, the hope is that they will do more than simply study the past.
They will ask questions.
They will look for connections.
They will examine details with fresh eyes.
And perhaps, somewhere along the way, they may even help bring new attention or new information to a family that has been waiting for answers.
For Shyla Jump, that mission remains deeply personal.
Her grandmother is not just a cold case.
She is Charlotte Heimann.
And her family is still seeking justice.
Learn More and Follow Charlotte’s Case
Those interested in learning more about Charlotte’s disappearance, following updates, or helping share her story can visit the official Justice for Charlotte Heimann page, which connects to the family’s Facebook community, case resources, interviews, podcasts, and other information about the investigation:
Justice for Charlotte Heimann: