On June 29, 2022, 36-year-old Michelle Rose Bernstein-Schultz, also known as 'Elle' to her loved ones, disappeared from her home in Phoenix, Arizona. She was last seen in the vicinity of her apartment, located near North 40th Street and East Greenway Road. That afternoon, she had been texting with a friend, with their conversation coming to an abrupt halt at 4:03 p.m.; this was the last known communication from Michelle. Her boyfriend, with whom she lived, reported her missing the following day. He told authorities that Michelle had not been feeling well on the day she vanished and had asked not to be disturbed. He said he slept on the couch that night and discovered the next morning that she was gone and her bed had not been slept in.
The circumstances surrounding Michelle's disappearance are troubling to her family, who insist it is completely out of character for her to leave without notice. Compounding their concern is the fact that all of her personal belongings were left behind in the apartment, including her car keys, wallet, credit cards, driver's license, and cell phone. Her beloved dog, Ava, whom her family says she took everywhere, was also found in the home. Investigators have stated there is no evidence of foul play, yet her family finds it difficult to believe she would voluntarily leave everything and everyone she loved behind. Adding to the mystery, Michelle was expecting to pick up a $2,500 settlement check from a car accident the day after she went missing; the check remains uncollected at her lawyer's office.
Michelle is described as a twice-divorced mother of two sons who, at the time of her disappearance, were living with their fathers. She is an avid hiker, and it is believed she may have been wearing gray hiking sandals with fluorescent green highlights and carrying a dark blue hiking backpack when she disappeared. Also missing was her distinctive bedazzled cup adorned with bumblebees. She has black, short-cropped hair, possibly with some gray, and hazel eyes. Her case remains an active missing person investigation. The lack of any substantial leads or sightings has left her family in a state of perpetual worry, holding out hope for answers and her safe return. The Phoenix Police Department continues to seek any information that could lead to her whereabouts.
Last Seen: Jun 29, 2022
