The community was deeply concerned when news of Caroline Smith’s missing spread throughout Baton Rouge.
Two teenage girls who went missing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have been found safe, thanks to the efforts of the community and law enforcement.
The girls, 13-year-old Caroline Smith and 15-year-old Mya Bellanger were reported missing on April 2nd after they were last seen on George O’Neal Boulevard.
Caroline’s cousin, robandhaley, posted a video on TikTok asking for help in finding her.
In the video, she described the appearance of both girls. The video quickly went viral, with thousands of people sharing it across social media platforms.
Caroline’s mother, Alis Keys Smith, also posted on Facebook asking for help in finding her daughter.
The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department launched a search for the girls and released a poster with their photos and descriptions.
Caroline was described as being 5’8 with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a gray sweatshirt, and white Nike shoes.
The other girl, Mya was described as being 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.
After a day of searching, the girls were found safe.
Robandhaley posted a story on her Instagram account thanking everyone who helped 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 later story, she reflected 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 were posted in a Tiktok video by brooklyn2.0.
The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department also posted on Facebook, thanking everyone who helped in the search. “We would like to thank everyone who shared our post and assisted in locating these two juveniles. Both girls were found safe.”
The community’s quick response and effort in finding the girls showcases the power of social media and the importance of coming together in times of need.
The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information on missing persons to contact them immediately.
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