A Florida mother is desperate for answers following the mysterious disappearance of a 13-year-old Kississimee girl.
Madeline Soto, who had just celebrated her 13th birthday with family, was last seen Monday at around 8:30 a.m. Footage reportedly showed Madeline in a church parking lot on February 26, after being dropped off at Hunter’s Creek Middle School in Orlando by her mother’s boyfriend.
Her mother, Jenn Soto, said that Madeline, who doesn’t have a history of running away, never entered the school. She also left her phone at home, police said.
“I’m trying to hope for the best, but I’m scared for her,” Jenn Soto, told Fox 35. “I want her to be okay; I want her to be safe… I don’t want her to come back harmed. I just want her back – whatever that means, I just want her back.
Police said they found information on Madeline’s phone that indicated she wanted to go “live in the woods” after she turned 13.
Over 50 emergency response members from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are currently searching across different area locations to find the teen. Police and K-9s are concurrently canvassing additional areas, officials said.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Madeline is described as a white female who stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 110 pounds. She has dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. FDLE has issued a Florida Missing Child Alert for the teen.
Madeline Soto #Missing: Florida mom begs for daughter’s safe return home
“I’m trying to hope for the best, but I’m scared for her,” said Jenn Soto. “I want her to be okay; I want her to be safe…”https://t.co/7rWO2tqxEP
— National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (@MissingKids) February 28, 2024
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 254-7000.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Orange County Sheriff’s Office]
