Family says KCK mom has been missing over a week: ‘We’re just desperate’
April Higgins’ family is at a loss. It’s been nearly a week since the Kansas City, Kansas, mother and grandmother has been reported missing. They’ve put up posters, posted on social media and have searched homeless camps with no luck.
Higgins, also known by the last name Boatright, has been homeless for under a year of her own choice, her family says, due to her suffering loss, addiction and mental health challenges. Regardless, she stays in touch with family, and speaks to her boyfriend daily.
“We don’t really know where to go from here,” said her sister-in-law, Brandy Johnson.
Missing for over a week
Higgins’ boyfriend — who lives in a different camp — notified her family after not hearing from her after April 13. The last time she was in touch with family was April 6, according Johnson. She was supposed to see family and her kids last weekend for her birthday and Easter. Her not showing up was another red flag for them.
“We just don’t know what to think,” Johnson said. “And the longer time goes by, the scarier it gets, and the chance of her not returning increases, so we’re just desperate to know that she’s okay, to have confirmation of life and then figure out how to get her help from there.”
Higgins lives in Armourdale and is normally around 7th Street and Kansas Avenue and near the Cross-Lines Community Kitchen at 7th Street and Shawnee Avenue, according to Johnson. She is white, 5’4” and around 160 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes.
Higgins has three school-aged children who live with various family members, and one adult child with an eight-month-old baby, according to Johnson. She said the family has received some hate from people because Higgins was homeless while being surrounded by so much family. She explains it’s a complicated situation, and stressed Higgins may be having a mental health crisis and needs aid.
“You can’t force people if they don’t want to get that help, they are not ready to acknowledge it,” she said. “And sometimes, these problems start so small you don’t realize how big they grow until something like this happens.”
Higgins’ family stresses the importance for her to call her mother as soon as possible.
Anyone who thinks they see Higgins is asked to take a photo of her and share information with KCKPD at 913-573-6062 or reach out to crime stoppers at 816-474-8477. People can also email Johnson at bfromkc@gmail.com.
This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 11:48 AM.
