Missing 31-year-old transgender-rights and anti-racism activist Elise Malary has been identified as the body found on March 17 at the 500 block of Sheridan Square.
The Evanston Fire Department recovered the body and it was positively identified as Malary, who has been reported missing since March 11.
The news comes after activist groups in Chicago have been hosting small flyer-distribution events and using social media to organize for Malary’s return with the hashtag, #BringEliseHome.
Malary resided at the 700 block of Hinman Avenue in Evanston and was last in touch with her sister on March 9. On March 10, Malary’s sister asked the maintenance staff in her apartment to check on her. The doors were unlocked and Malary’s phone and laptops were left behind.
Her car was gone but later found parked in a municipal parking lot at Hinman Avenue and South Boulevard.
Malary worked as an administrative clerk in the Illinois attorney general’s office, was a board member of the Chicago Therapy collective and was one of several people who was set to receive a Transgender Visibility Award at the upcoming Chicago Trans Visibility Pagenet.
The Evanston Police Department will continue an investigation, but there are no additional updates at this time.