Residents were deeply worried when news of Caroline Smith’s disappearance spread throughout Baton Rouge.
Two adolescent girls who disappeared in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have been located unharmed, thanks to the community and law enforcement efforts.
On April 2nd, Caroline Smith, 13, and Mya Bellanger, 15, were reported missing after they were last spotted on George O’Neal Boulevard.
Caroline’s cousin, robandhaley, shared a video on TikTok seeking assistance in locating her.
@robandhaley
URGENT MISSING PERSON @broooklyn2.0 #missingperson #missingchild #missingpersons #truecrimetiktok #truecrimecommunity #truecrimetok #truecrimetiktoks
♬ original sound – Haley Toumaian Price
In the video, she provided descriptions of both girls. The video rapidly went viral, with numerous individuals sharing it on social media platforms.
Caroline’s mother, Alis Keys Smith, also made a plea on Facebook for assistance in finding her daughter.
The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department initiated a search for the girls and issued a poster with their photos and descriptions.
Caroline was described as 5’8″ with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen in black shorts, a gray sweatshirt, and white Nike shoes.
The other girl, Mya, was described as 5’4″ with brown hair and blonde highlights. She was last seen wearing a brown sweatshirt with a blue t-shirt, black Adidas pants, and white Nike shoes.
caroline smith and mya bellanger missing post
After a day of searching, the girls were located unharmed.
Robandhaley posted an Instagram story thanking everyone who assisted in the search. “THEY FOUND CAROLINE & HER FRIEND !!!!!! im so thankful. im exhausted. im so joyful. thank you ALL. Holy shit. it was due to recognition she was found!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!! The luck and gratitude almost stings.”
In a subsequent story, she pondered on the experience. “I genuinely believe that it was because of the love & support of everyone that we found Caroline. And she’s safe. I feel lightheaded. This singular day has lasted a decade. And in this joy, this deep inhale of crisp air, that a taste both familiar and foreign sits at lips: the bittersweet taste of gratitude.”
The screenshot of her story was posted in a Tiktok video by brooklyn2.0.
The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department also expressed gratitude on Facebook, stating, “We would like to thank everyone who shared our post and assisted in locating these two juveniles. Both girls were found safe.”
The prompt and united response of the community in locating the girls demonstrates the influence of social media and the significance of standing together in times of need.
The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information on missing persons to contact them immediately.
