Baia has worked at Burger King on Hayes for the last two years as a shift manager. On May 1st, he was evicted from his home because he’d been bringing his homeless friend, Shane, to the apartment. Baia began staying with Grove’s grandmother, then Grove’s high school friend took him in. He was told to leave both residences until he could get his life back on track. Some tips on social media report Baia was staying in empty apartments on the west side after that.

Baia has not had contact with his loved ones in the last couple of months. Phone calls to Burger King resulted in “he’s not working right now.” Eventually, Groves received a tip that Baia was fired. Groves asked Burger King if he still works there, has resigned, or has been fired. They refuse to share employee information. Groves feels knowing what happened could provide clues and update the timeline of when Baia was last seen. She fears he was fired for being a no-show, adding to her concern for Baia’s well-being.

Groves understands that people are wary of sharing information about Baia with her. Afterall, she is not legally related to him. But, their daughter is his closest relative. Groves hopes for understanding that she is simply acting on behalf of their minor daughter. Groves will not slow down on her effort to locate her little girl’s daddy.

Baia stands about 5’11”, weighs around 162 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing his hair in a medium-length pony-tail. He’s known as Ricky, and typically wears a t-shirt and basketball shorts. Baia frequents the Northview Park and Pool, and the Griffith Ball Park areas, usually riding a bicycle.

Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete has reached out to News Radio KMAN. Peete encourages anyone with information to contact his agency at 785-537-2112 or Crimestoppers at 785-539-7777.