Woman missing 9 years honored at vigil

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - A vigil was held Tuesday to mark the ninth anniversary of the disappearance of a Calhoun County woman.

The vigil for Mary Denise Lands was held at Brooks Memorial Circle Fountain in Marshall. Balloons were released in her honor.

Lands was last seen at her Marshall home in 2004. She was declared dead in 2011.

Don't tell Lands' mother Anita Marshall that time heals all wounds.

"That's a lie," she said. "You just learn to live with it. That's all you can do."

Christopher Pratt, Lands' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, is the only person ever considered a potential suspect. Private investigator Jim Carlin said Pratt claims Lands went for a walk and never came back.

"I always worried about him 'cause he was different than anyone I ever met," said Lands' father Cliff Marshall.

In 2008, Pratt was sentenced to prison for the domestic abuse of another woman.

"He has tried to get out of prison three times now and each time he has been denied," said Carlin.

Lands' family has worked to keep Pratt behind bars.

"That's why we keep sending letters to the parole board --to keep him in there 18 more months," said Anita Marshall.

Cliff Marshall prays it is enough time for that one big break.

"It's a lot of waiting, a lot of no answers, nobody coming forward -- it's pathetic," said Anita Marshall. "Do I get tired? No. She deserves me to stay strong for her so that's what I do."

Investigators continue to seek tips in the case.

"Anybody, please, for God's sake, please call them if you know where Mary is at or if you have been told where she might be," Cliff said.