Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly reported a little after 11 p.m. last night that 16-year-old Athens High School junior Jessica Lawrence has been found in the Independence, Missouri area.
The Sheriff's Office sent out a missing persons report after Lawrence didn't show up for her Monday classes.
She had last been seen around 7:15 a.m on her way to school.
Kelly used Facebook and other social media outlets to seek information and give updates as the search pressed on into the late hours of Monday.
Just after 11 p.m. he posted Jessica Lawrence has been located outside Columbia Missouri. She is with the Missouri State Police and is safe.
Sheriff's deputies and Missouri State police would not comment on whether disappearance is suspected to be a runaway or if foul play is suspected.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office said more details will be released this morning.
---Previous Coverage---
The Athens County Sheriff's Office is investigating the Monday morning disappearance of a 16-year-old Athens High School junior.
Jessica Lawrence was last seen around 7 a.m. wearing jeans, a black shirt with a red plaid over shirt and a purple coat and driving a black 2009 Hyundai Elantra with temporary tags S921780.
Lawrence is 5 foot 3 inches tall, weighs about 113 lbs. and has green eyes.
The sheriff's office is urging anyone who may have seen Lawrence or have information about her whereabouts to call (740) 593-6633.
The investigation is on-going and we're following up on all leads that we're getting through the call line
said Lt. Aaron Maynard.
1
News
Wesley Lowery
33124a.jpg
Jessica Lawrence
Jessica Lawrence found near Columbia, MO., will return to Athens today
