CLEVELAND -- It has been more than a week since the disappearance of Shakira Johnson, 11, and still there is no sign of the Cleveland girl.

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Home Barged Into

But Shakira's family members said that a sick rumor has spread like wildfire, and they fear it could jeopardize the investigation into the disappearance of their little girl.

NewsChannel5's Angie Lau reported that a prayer group from the Zion Pentacostal Church of Christ tried on Saturday to comfort Shakira's family members with their pain. The group prayed with Shakira's family, including her mother and grandmother.

"I'm hoping no bad comes of it, and I'm hoping that they find her and they bring her home," said Alisa Randle, Shakira's mother.

Shakira disappeared Saturday night after a neighborhood block party on East 106th Street. As police continue to search for the girl, her neighborhood is buzzing with confusion.

"I've been hearing a lot of rumors that she's been found dead behind the store on (East) 110th (Street)," resident Sante Copeland said.

"I heard from an employee who heard from the street (that the) girl was found to be dead," said Yazz Ideis, owner of a Citgo gas station.

But is it true? Shakira's family said it's absolutely not.

"Shakira Johnson has not been found," said Ralph Randle, Shakira's father. "Please do not give up hope."

Apparently, someone had been running around the community, saying that police had found Shakira's body in a dumpster. That person then posed as a relative, asking for money for the funeral. But officials said that's all they are -- horrible rumors.

"It's very dangerous, 'cause it takes the eyes off of looking for her," Ralph Randle said. "(They) may walk right past her. I just want to let them know it's not true."

Cleveland police cannot stress enough the importance of the community, and they are pleading for even the smallest tip.

"What the public may not think is important is important, and let us make that determination," said Chief Ed Lohn, of the Cleveland Police Department.

The family said it is upsetting that someone may be taking advantage of their little girl, and people in the neighborhood continue to pray for her return.

"It makes you angry," said Sam Rahman, of Chilli's Food Market. "(She's) just a baby, just an 11-year-old girl. It's just disgusting."

A team of investigators from the 4th District is working hard on the case and continues to brief Shakira's family throughout the day.

Police said they have no official suspect in custody, but they do have incidental people they are questioning.

Shakira is 4 feet 7 inches tall, weighs about 80 pounds, has light brown eyes and has sandy brown hair, which was in a ponytail when she disappeared Saturday.

Police are also looking for a bright red four-door Ford Escort or Mercury Tracer with an older-style license plate that may be involved in the girl's disappearance.

Anyone with information is urged to call (216) 623-5400 or (216) 621-1234.