Missing teen found safe

A West Plains teen is home safe after a harrowing absence of eleven days. Abigail Lawless, 17, was reported missing and endangered at 12:00 a.m. on August 17. Authorities announced her safe return on August 29. 

 

Howell County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. According to Investigator Torey Thompson, they knew where to search. 

 

“We got information that she made statements about wanting to go to Virginia after she turned 18. She had been talking to unknown persons online,” Thompson said in a Thursday interview. 

 

HCSO was able to coordinate with the United States Marshals and the Charlottesville, Va. Police Department and determined that Lawless was alive and well in Virgina. 

 

Lawless walked into the police station in Charlottesville, Thompson said, and told police that she no longer wanted to be there. 

 

At this time, there is no information on the individual in Virginia, and it is “up for debate” whether or not criminal charges will issue. 

 

“Missouri law is not well written to deal with these types of situations. We’re in new, uncharted waters in sense,” Thompson said. 

 

At 17, Lawless does not meet the definition for child kidnapping or abduction statutes. 

 

“It doesn’t fit,” Thompson said. “All the evidence is that she left willingly.”

 

The child protective services in Charlottesville determined that the girl suffered no abuse in Virginia.

 

Investigation is ongoing, but at this time, it remains unclear whether anyone will be charged in Missouri, Virgina, or federally in connection with this missing person case.