WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Austin Police Department in Texas said missing teenager Hannah Smith was located this week.

Though it did not elaborate where and how Hannah was found, the department's human trafficking unit said it was looking for the 16-year-old, who went missing from the Wichita Children's Home on Jan. 14, 2024. There was concern that she was with a man, APD shared in a prior media release.  

KAKE News has filed open records requests with the Austin and Wichita police departments for updates on the case. Hannah's mother, Monica Smith, said all she's been informed is that Hannah is no longer missing. She has not seen her daughter in months. 

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A Kansas woman wants answers as to what happened to her missing daughter.

Hannah Smith, 16, walked away from the Wichita Children’s Home on Jan. 14, 2024. Her mother, Monica Smith, didn’t hear about the case until two days later. While the holiday likely impacted how information was relayed to her, Monica said it’s been a frustrating journey, especially when the first hours in any investigation can be pivotal to a positive outcome.

“I’m devastated, devastated,” Monica said. “I'm just heartbroken. I haven't been able to eat I haven't been able to you know do my normal things. All I can think about is my daughter and where's she at? And is she safe? Who's she with?”

While her relationship with investigators has improved, she feels that initially things were not taken seriously. She let police know that she and her daughter were recently diagnosed with autism. Though they both function at a high level, Monica fears someone may take advantage of her child. She decided to conduct her own investigation into what happened to Hannah.

 

“I did find out she withdrew money from her job,” Monica said. “I found out she was working here at the Dollar Tree, and she withdrew money the day before she left…So, she was planned this was planned, in my investigation. Who did she go with? She wouldn't she wouldn't have just went on her own. So there is somebody that she went with, and I'm really worried of who that is.”

Before being placed in the children’s home, Hannah was living with her older sister. She ran away from there, and has been in state care for the past year. Monica said she was going to eventually be returned home.

 

Now, she’s committed to finding her child and give her a safe place to stay.

 

“I just miss her so much,” Monica said. “And Hannah, please reach out to us. We love you and we care for you and we want to make sure that you are okay and we will make sure of that and that you have all your needs met.”

Continued coverage of Hannah's story:

Extended interview with mom Monica Smith:

 

 

 

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WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Wichita Police Department is asking for the community's help locating a missing teenage girl Wednesday afternoon. 

 

Authorities say 16-year-old Hannah Smith was last seen on January 14 in the 7200 block of E. 37th Street wearing a blue jacket, black leggings and carrying a black backpack. She is 5'07", 140 lbs with blonde hair and blue eyes. Police also say Hannah is high-functioning autistic. 

Hannah's mother told KAKE News that she was not notified and didn't find out until Wednesday that her daughter was missing.

If you see Hannah or know of her whereabouts, please contact the Wichita Police Department.