UPDATE Nov. 29: The family of Joseph Maku, 18, learned on Friday, Nov. 29 that he had been found deceased more than five weeks after he was first reported missing. In a social media post in the Missing Person: Joseph Maku Facebook group on Friday evening, his older sister, Brenda Maku, said the family learned today that Joseph has been found deceased in Delta.
Original story:
The sister of a missing Surrey teen has created an online fundraiser to support her mother and siblings as they continue to search for Joseph Maku.
Joseph Maku was last seen in the 13000-block of 96th Avenue on Tuesday, Oct. 22. He is described as Black, six-foot-five and 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and has dental braces. Surrey RCMP says he is believed to be wearing a black hoodie with GAP written on the front, black North Delta Huskies basketball shorts, and black and white basketball shoes with reverse swoosh symbol.
Joseph's older sister, Brenda Maku, created the fundraiser on Friday (Nov. 22) to help cover the family's living costs as they search for Joseph.
"Since Joseph was reported missing, my mom, Rose Juan, has not been able to work. She spends as much time as possible searching for him, hoping and praying that he will come home soon," reads the fundraiser. "My brother's disappearance continues to take a toll on my mother not only physically, but mentally as well."
Rose lost her husband, Dominic, 15 years ago when he died from liver cancer. Rose raised all five of her children by herself and worked hard to provide for them. "Since Joseph went missing, she has not been able to work, and as time goes by and the situation becomes more uncertain, her returning to work soon becomes less likely."
Funds will help pay for rent, food, groceries, bills, counselling, and mental wellness.
For more information and updates, visit the Missing Person: Joseph Maku Facebook group.
Joseph's family asks that if you see him, you do not approach him but do not lose sight of him. Immediately call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, quote file 2024-157805, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit solvecrime.ca.
