Oak Lawn police are racing to track down two teenage girls who ran away and were last seen late Saturday near 87th Street and 52nd Avenue. The teens have been identified as 14-year-old Skylar Deckert and 13-year-old Nyalah Lawson, and investigators believe they may still be together. Authorities have released photos to boost the search and are urging anyone with even a small tip to speak up, stressing that community eyes and ears could be key to bringing the girls home safely.
Descriptions, clothing, and last-known location
Deckert is described as a White female, about 5-foot-3 and 145 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a white furry coat and white gym shoes. Lawson is described as an African-American female, about 5-foot-3 and 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair styled in long, honey-blonde braids. Both girls were last spotted around 10 p.m. on Saturday in the area of 87th Street and 52nd Avenue, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Why the search matters
Runaway teens face heightened risks that can escalate quickly, including exploitation, trafficking, and other serious harms. Research on missing-person cases points to issues such as family conflict, online enticement, and prior trauma as factors that can increase a young person's vulnerability. Treating juvenile runaway reports as potentially endangered situations improves the odds of a safe recovery and helps law enforcement focus on the most promising tips and leads, according to the ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. Quick sharing of information by the community can make all the difference.
How to help
The Oak Lawn Police Detective Division is asking anyone who sees the girls to call 911 immediately or contact detectives at 708-907-4051. If you have video, photos, or other information from the area that might help, police say you should preserve it and share it directly with investigators. For the department's original notice, visit FOX 32 Chicago.
