Missing Franklin Student: Search Expands To Bellingham

FRANKLIN, MA — The search for missing Franklin student Michael Doherty entered its fourth day Wednesday with sign of the missing 20-year-old. Doherty, a Duke University student, was last seen in the Phyllis Lane area around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning. On Wednesday, the search area was expanded to Bellingham, according to state police.

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Doherty is 5 feet, 10 inches and has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Franklin police at 508-528-1212.

Authorities on Wednesday continued a massive search involving helicopters, boats and K-9 units.

"We urge you to check the area outside your residence including any sheds or detached buildings and call the Franklin (police) ... if you have any information," Franklin police said in a statement. "Please be advised during this time you may see increased public safety presence in the area."

Hundreds held a vigil for Doherty in Franklin Tuesday night. On Wednesday, his mother Nancy held a news conference.

"We are desperately hoping Michael can come home," she said in between tears. "That's all we want. We are devastated and (heartbroken). We don't wish this on anyone. We want our son home."

Doherty attended Xaverian Brothers High School and graduated in 2015. School officials said they are "praying for Michael's safe return to his family."

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• Search Continues For Missing Franklin Student Michael Doherty

Photo: Michael Doherty. (Credit: Franklin Police Department)