Two teenage girls are missing from West Knoxville after leaving their home on foot Saturday, and local Crime Stoppers is asking the public to help find them. The teenagers are identified as 17-year-old Alexis Shears and 15-year-old Eulanda Mitchelle. Family members and investigators say the pair were last seen leaving a residence near Bearden Middle School.
What authorities say
According to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, Shears and Mitchelle left the house after crawling out of a window, then walked away from the immediate area. The Facebook appeal includes basic physical descriptions: Shears is described as about 5-foot-5 and 180 pounds, and Mitchelle as about 5-foot-1 and 150 pounds. The post, shared Monday evening, credits the Knoxville Police Department in the description.
How to report a tip
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information to call 865-215-7165, text “ETTIPS” to 738477, use the P3 Tips mobile app, or submit a report at easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org. The organization notes that tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest or recovery. Officials add that anyone who believes the teenagers are in immediate danger should call 911.
Where they were last seen
Family members and the Crime Stoppers post state the teens were last seen in the Bearden neighborhood, near Bearden Middle School on Francis Road. Bearden Middle School's contact page lists the school at 1000 Francis Road, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains a missing persons clearinghouse with guidance on reporting and alert criteria. See Bearden Middle School and the TBI's missing persons page for more information.
What to watch for
The Crime Stoppers post credits the Knoxville Police Department, indicating law enforcement is involved in the search, per the original Facebook appeal. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through one of the listed methods or call 911 if they believe someone is in immediate danger.
