Range of emotion for baby Kate's mother

LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) - Baby Katherine Phillips’ mother was surrounded by her friends and family Friday night outside the Mason County Sheriff’s Department.

Supporters of Ariel Courtland waited all night for some news – good or bad.

The last they heard, Amber Alert suspect 21-year-old Sean Michael Phillips – the man police say took 4-month-old Kate – had told authorities from inside the jail that the infant was still alive.

Police started looking for the baby when Courtland reported her missing Wednesday afternoon. That night, an official Amber Alert was issued. Since then, the FBI, Michigan State Police, volunteer firefighters, Ludington police and the Mason County sheriff’s deputies have been looking for Kate by air and land.

A possible break in the case came when Phillips, who is being held on kidnapping charges on $500,000 bond, implied he didn’t kill Kate, who is believed to be his daughter.

The optimism was evident in Courtland’s voice when she spoke with 24 Hour News 8 on Friday evening. She seemed to be hopeful, and in better spirits than earlier in the investigation. Courtland is not a suspect and voluntarily took a lie detector test.

However, around 9 p.m., the Mason County prosecutor spoke with Courtland and her family, and she broke down in tears – refusing to talk any further.

About 20 minutes later, everyone left. News 8 called the sheriff’s department to see if the search had been called off, but officials said they didn’t know.

Ludington police sent out a request for assistance Friday, as well. Baby Kate was last seen at Apartment 108, 922 E. Tinkham Ave., which is Birch Lake Apartments.

Anyone who wants to help with the search effort is encouraged to come to Ludington City Hall, 400 S. Harrison on Saturday. Volunteers will take flyers and pass them out with permission from local businesses.

If anyone has information on Sean Phillips’ whereabouts June 29 between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m., call police.

Police are searching an area for evidence bound by U.S. 13, Fountain Road, Amber Road and Dewey Road.