The Dearborn Heights Police Department is urgently seeking public assistance in locating Tasia Keaton, a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since March 14, after she left Vista Maria, a facility known for aiding vulnerable youth. Keaton, who has a history of frequently changing her hair color and style, was last spotted on security footage at Joy Road and Beech Daly Road, as Dearborn Heights Police Chief Ahmed Haidar detailed, though no further information about her has surfaced since, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
Vista Maria expressed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its youth, confirming that they immediately informed the police upon Keaton's departure and have collaborated closely with law enforcement since that time. Keaton's family and the larger community have grown increasingly concerned as her absence lengthens amidst fears that she may have been sexually assaulted at hotels, where she was taken after being found near Joy Road.
Additional coverage by FOX 2 Detroit suggests that sex trafficking may be a factor in her disappearance, with Keaton having been picked up by multiple individuals and believed to have been assaulted on at least two occasions. Desperate for her return, Keaton's aunt, Trisha Wade, expresses her family's wish for her safe homecoming, saying, "I’m not mad. Your sisters and your grandmother just want you home."
Dearborn Heights police have turned to the public for help after exhausting other options and leads furthermore, Chief Haidar shared that they've "ran out of leads. It's been almost close to a month, and we haven't had no activity, no leads, no tips and that's really concerning to us," according to FOX 2 Detroit, signaling the growing alarm as more time passes without any signs of Keaton's whereabouts. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dearborn Heights Police Department at 313-277-6770, with a $5,500 reward offered for tips leading to her location.
Expanding on Keaton's distressing circumstances, a report from ClickOnDetroit disclosed that Tasia Keaton, originally from Tennessee and now in Michigan, has had past encounters with adversity, including her mother's death from a brain tumor and her father's inconsistent presence due to jail time. Keaton's life complexities have led to prior runaways and assault experiences. Police are now organizing volunteers for canvassing efforts, with supplies for spreading awareness of Keaton's situation being provided at the police station. Anyone with insight into Tasia Keaton's disappearance is encouraged to reach out to the appropriate authorities or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
