Missing Franklin Student Michael Doherty: Search Nears A Week

FRANKLIN, MA — The search for missing Franklin student Michael Doherty stretched to a week with no new leads, police said. Doherty, 20, a Duke University student, was last seen leaving a party with friends on Phyllis Lane Sunday around 1:30 a.m., police said. One of Doherty's shoes was found nearby, while another was found in Bellingham, authorities said.

The massive search for Doherty includes helicopters, drones, boats and scores of public safety officials and volunteers. Anyone with information is asked to contact Franklin police at 508-528-1212.

"No new evidence has been discovered," Franklin police said in a statement Friday.

(Subscribe to Massachusetts Patch news alerts for updates on this story and more. iPhone/iPad users: download the new Patch app.)

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."

Franklin police shared these photos of Friday's search effort:

Previous:

• Search For Michael Doherty Expands To Bellingham
• Franklin Student Michael Doherty Missing

Lead photo: Michael Doherty. (Credit: Franklin Police Department)