Authorities are still desperately asking for the public’s help in the search for a missing teen they believe may be in “grave danger.”
Aleah Beckerle, 19, was reported missing by her mother on Sunday, July 17, after she awoke and discovered Aleah was not in their Evansville, Indiana home. A stroke as an infant had left Aleah almost completely immobile and in need of constant care.
Her wheelchair and daily medication, meant to help control severe seizures, were left behind, according to police.
"Please, I'm begging whoever has my angel, this is day five without her precious smile waking up to me," Cara Beckerle, Aleah’s mother, posted last Friday on Facebook. Monday now marks day eight without Aleah.
Because Aleah cannot walk or speak beyond a few words, police are extremely concerned for her wellbeing and are urging anyone with any information to come forward.
“There is someone out there who knows where Aleah is,” Evansville Police Department Captain Andy Chandler told Dateline. “You can’t just carry a disabled 19-year-old out of her home and have no one see anything.”
A small army of volunteers has spent the past week fanning out through the city, splitting into teams to check creeks, fields and in urban areas. Thousands of fliers have been posted and passed out. Aleah’s photo continues to lead local newscasts, is on the front page of newspapers, and is still being shared online by countless people, many of them strangers.
More than 6,300 people have joined the Facebook group ‘Bring Aleah Home.’ Postings with wishes of hope, search suggestions and the latest on the case fill the digital wall. Search teams with several national organizations have joined the efforts, including the Ohio chapter of Texas Equusearch. Despite massive efforts, few clues have reportedly been discovered.
“We’re not just looking at one path right now,” Capt. Chandler said. “We’ve conducted numerous interviews and are focused on finding her. We welcome any information anyone might have.”
Aleah Beckerle is described as 4’10” tall, weighing 95 lbs. with short, brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with the words ‘Dance Theater’ written on it.
Anyone with any information regarding Aleah’s whereabouts is urged to call the Evansville Police Department at (812) 436-7979 or the anonymous WeTip hotline at 1 (800) 78-CRIME.