Missing Woman Last Seen In Palos Heights, Could Be At Risk: Family

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A woman reported missing last month was most recently spotted in Palos Heights Monday, her family told Patch. Her family is asking that people keep an eye out for the woman, whose mental health condition could put her in danger.

Jessica Elaine Skuby, 40, was reported missing July 27 from the area of 127th Street and Pulaski in Alsip, but was last seen August 22 near the Aurelio's restaurant in Palos Heights, in the area of 135th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Before that, she had been spotted in Tinley Park on August 19.

Skuby is a diagnosed schizophrenic but is not medicated, her aunt Clare Duran told Patch. When stopped by Palos Park Police, Skuby refused assistance, but Duran is still asking anyone who sees her to call her to report where. Duran would like to get her niece to safety and find her help.

She is known to travel from Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Alsip and Crestwood and hang out around gas stations (picking up cigarette butts) or restaurants (to obtain food out of dumpsters or anyone kind enough to give her food), Duran shared on social media. You will rarely see her begging for money, but she may ask for a ride somewhere, Duran added.

Anyone who spots Skuby is asked to not call police, as "police scare her and she will go into hiding for days with no food or water."

Duran said she feels Skuby is trying to get back to Michigan where her mother lives. Duran believes she is most likely to be seen in the evening, "because honestly, that’s probably when she feels safer due to less people being out and about."

"What I’m scared of is people getting the wrong idea about her ..." Duran told Patch. "She is not a danger to other people unless she feels threatened."

Skuby is described as 5 feet, 7 inches in height, with short, brown straight hair that's graying. She weighs between 130 and 160 pounds, and has freckles.

"Jessica is a sweet woman, but right now she’s feeling alone and rejected by her entire family," Duran told Patch. "Yes, she does need help with her mental illness, but she is not a threat. If you see her you can ask her if she is OK as long as you do it in a calm manner. She responds well to soft-spoken individuals."

Duran asks that people speak softly and kindly to her niece.

"If you see her, please be kind to her and if you can spare a moment, tell her that her Aunt Clare is desperately trying to find her, so she can give her a place to live without fear of being abandoned ever again. Give her my cell number (269)425-2757) and have her call me (she may need to borrow your phone to do so)," Duran shared.

Anyone who sees Skuby is encouraged to text or call Duran at (269)425-2757.