**Desperate Search Continues for Missing New Jersey Woman**
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*Franklin Township, NJ – A family is engulfed in distress as the search for Belinda Prentice, a 71-year-old resident of Franklin Township, extends into its third week. Prentice was last seen on 5 October 2026 at approximately 6 p.m., near Bamburgh Court off New Brunswick Road and Willow Avenue.*
Since her disappearance, the community has rallied around Prentice’s family, with daily volunteers joining the search efforts. Despite numerous ground searches, led predominantly by her granddaughter, Sienna Benjamin, there have been no confirmed sightings of Prentice.
Sienna Benjamin, 28, who currently resides in San Antonio, Texas, has spoken about her grandmother’s recent health struggles, particularly noting signs of cognitive decline. She stated, “About two years ago, when I visited, I noticed she was forgetting what she was saying mid-conversation and repeating herself.” This concerning trend had prompted the family to explore the possibility of dementia, coupled with the need for guardianship over her affairs.
Belinda Prentice’s cognitive issues became evident during a recent Thanksgiving gathering, where she mistook Benjamin’s wife as a first-time acquaintance, despite having met her on multiple occasions. This lapse in memory underscores the family’s urgent concerns regarding Prentice’s wellbeing, especially as the search proceeds without the hoped-for outcome of her safe return.
The search efforts have seen varying levels of community involvement, with an average of four to five volunteers participating each day. However, a significant surge in support was evident during a large-scale search conducted on 25 October 2026, which brought together 25 volunteers who canvassed areas within Somerset County on foot. As the search efforts progress, Benjamin has also been active on social media, frequently sharing updates and receiving tips through her Instagram account, which has fostered additional community engagement.
“I’m very grateful for my community,” Benjamin expressed, acknowledging the supportive individuals who have dedicated their time to help. The local authorities, specifically the Franklin Township Police Department, have echoed this call for vigilance, asking residents to examine their security cameras for any potential clues or sightings of Prentice.
Throughout her life, Prentice had been known for her independence, often embarking on long drives across state lines for leisure. Having worked previously as a truck driver and bus driver, she had been accustomed to travelling alone. The family had previously installed a tracker on her vehicle to monitor her whereabouts, typically issuing a silver alert when she ventured beyond state borders. However, Prentice ceased driving about a year ago, instead opting for walks in her neighbourhood, where she frequently interacted with local residents.
“This time it was her first or second time taking off on foot,” explained Benjamin, indicating that such an occurrence was uncommon for her grandmother.
The Franklin Township Police Department has issued a statement encouraging local residents to review their security footage, emphasising that any video evidence could be pivotal in locating Prentice. “Any footage could provide critical information in helping locate Belinda,” they stated on 13 October. The police have urged anyone who might spot her to take a photograph and notify the authorities without delay.
The Prentice family is remaining hopeful, holding on to the belief that Belinda will be found safe. “We all miss you, and we want to see you home safe,” Benjamin conveyed heartfelt sentiments, rallying communal support. “Everyone here is looking for you. Everyone.”
As the search continues, anyone with information regarding Belinda Prentice’s whereabouts is encouraged to reach out to the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-2300 or contact Sienna Benjamin via her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/snniea. The family is determined, and the community’s unwavering resolve serves as a beacon of hope in this troubling situation.