Nashville teen reported missing in 2023 found safe in 2026 after multi-agency search
A two-year missing-person case ends with a recovery in West Tennessee
A 15-year-old girl who was reported missing from Nashville in 2023 has been found safe, bringing an end to a case that remained open for more than two years. Authorities said the girl was located on March 2, 2026, after coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The girl was reported missing on July 2, 2023, when she was 13. Investigators did not publicly release her name in announcements related to the recovery, a common practice in cases involving juveniles. Officials also did not disclose where she had been living during her absence, citing safety and privacy considerations.
What agencies were involved and how the recovery unfolded
Authorities said the U.S. Marshals Service worked alongside the Metro Nashville Police Department, the Lexington Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The recovery was announced publicly in early March, after the child had been safely located.
Officials did not describe the circumstances that led to the girl being found, nor did they indicate whether any criminal charges have been filed in connection with her disappearance. No details were provided about whether the case involved a custodial dispute, a runaway situation, or another scenario that can trigger a prolonged missing-person investigation.
- Missing-person report date: July 2, 2023
- Age at the time she was reported missing: 13
- Date located: March 2, 2026
- Age when found: 15
- Agencies named in the recovery: U.S. Marshals Service, Metro Nashville Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
What happens next in cases involving missing juveniles
When a missing child is located, law enforcement and child-welfare partners typically focus on immediate safety, medical needs and placement decisions. Depending on the facts of the case, investigators may also pursue follow-up interviews, welfare checks and evidence review to determine whether any crimes occurred during the period the child was missing.
Authorities said the teen was brought to safety after she was located on March 2, ending a case that began with a missing-person report in July 2023.
How the public can help in other missing-person investigations
In Tennessee, missing-person cases involving children may involve local police, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and, in some cases, federal partners. Officials encourage the public to report credible tips directly to law enforcement rather than relying on social media posts, which can spread incorrect information and complicate investigations.
Anyone with information about an active missing-child case is urged to contact local law enforcement or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tip line.