The Unsolved Disappearance of Steven “Stevie” Kraft: Two Decades Without Answers
On the evening of February 15, 2001, 12-year-old Steven “Stevie” Kraft stepped outside his Benton Heights, Michigan home to play with his dogs — something he’d done countless times before. But that night, he never came back. More than two decades later, his disappearance remains an agonizing mystery for his family and the community.
What Happened
Around 6:30 p.m., Stevie told his mother, Chyrille, that he’d be back soon and went outside with his two dogs. As dinner time approached and there was still no sign of him, concern began to grow. Chyrille phoned Stevie’s sister, Jodi, who lived nearby, but she hadn’t seen him all day. Within hours, the family’s concern turned into panic, sparking a search that yielded no trace of the boy.
Who Was Stevie?
Steven Kraft, known affectionately as “Stevie,” was a fun-loving, energetic 12-year-old who adored animals and enjoyed spending time with his close-knit family. He was especially fond of his older sister Jodi and her young son. Known in the neighborhood for his friendly nature, Stevie often played outdoors — but this time, he never returned.
Timeline of Events
February 15, 2001, 6:30 p.m. – Stevie leaves home to play with his dogs.
9:00 p.m. – His mother calls Jodi; Stevie never arrived at her home.
Following days – Extensive searches by family, neighbors, and authorities yield no results.
Investigation – Despite ongoing police efforts, no solid leads have ever been found.
Community and Public Response
Stevie’s case has remained etched in the memory of Benton Heights residents. Over the years, social media posts and local news coverage have kept his story alive, with many offering sympathy and support to the Kraft family. Online discussions continue to circulate theories, but none have brought the family closer to the truth.
The Investigation Today
The disappearance of Steven Kraft remains an open case. Law enforcement still urges anyone with information to come forward, and the Kraft family continues to hope for answers. Every year that passes without resolution deepens the pain, but they refuse to give up.
A Lingering Mystery
What happened to Stevie on that winter evening in 2001 is still unknown. His absence has left a lasting void in the lives of his loved ones, and his story serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of community awareness in missing persons cases. The search for answers continues — and so does the hope that one day, Stevie will be found.
This story will be updated if new information becomes available.