ROMULUS (WWJ) -- Police are still searching for answers in the case of a missing Metro Detroit teen, who apparently ran away from the Romulus home where he was living in 2020.
Shane McLaughlin is still missing, but is now considered a "voluntary missing" person, according to Romulus Police.
After messages came in from WWJ Newsradio 950 listeners concerned about McLaughlin — who's been the subject of media chatter in recent months —WWJ asked police for an update on the case.
On Thursday, Deputy Chief Derran Shelby said this remains an open investigation, adding: "We have not confirmed he's in any sort of danger."
He said police have heard and investigated various rumors that are going around about McLaughlin, including that the teen was fleeing his abusive mother, and that he had become involved with an older woman.
"A lot of people are saying a lot of different things," he said. "...We haven't been able to confirm any information to our satisfaction."
McLaughlin was 15 years old when he first went missing from his mother's home in Flat Rock. He returned, police said, but then moved to the home of a relative in Romulus where he lived while attending Summit Academy North High School.
On October 18, 2020, at 10:48 p.m. McLaughlin was seen on surveillance video leaving that home and getting into a dark colored SUV.
The SUV — possibly a Dodge Journey or Jeep — then drove off, and McLaughlin was not seen again until he appeared on the video app TikTok to announce, "I am done with the lies."
With his missing poster in the background, McLaughlin claimed in a series of videos that he ran away after suffering untreated depression and anxiety, as well physical and emotional abuse.
Related
McLaughlin alleged that his mental health issues began when he was 14, and though he sought help from his mother, he was told to “get over it.”
He said he was often grounded and isolated, and eventually, he began to be physically abused by his mom.
McLaughlin said he eventually decided that he'd been better off on his own.
“I’m doing fine,” he said. “I don’t need nobody. You guys might think because I’m young I need someone to rely on, but I don’t. I’m perfectly capable of living by myself. There is no one that I need in my life. I just want to be alone.”
McLaughlin’s mother, Nicole Quarrels, who confirmed through her own TikTok that the boy in the videos was indeed her son, has denied the abuse claims.
Related
Shelby said, at this time, no one is under investigation by Romulus Police for abusing the teen.
As for what happens next, Shelby said once McLaughlin is 18 years old he is not required to return to his family. If he's made up his mind to do so, he can legally stay out on his own.
Police, meanwhile, remain in contact with Quarrels, who continues to be concerned for her son's well-being.
Going forward, Shelby said: "We are still trying to verify his whereabouts; still trying to make sure he is OK."
Anyone with information about McLaughlin can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP (1-800-773-2587) or submit a tip at www.1800speakup.org.