Chilling twist after teen goes missing during friend's sleepover
There’s been an astonishing twist in the case of a missing teenage girl, who seemingly vanished after a sleepover at a friend’s house.
The 14-year-old girl named Kaylee was reported missing on October 22 after spending a few nights at a friend’s home in Calaveras County, north of the US state of California.
When her mum went to collect her, parents at the home reportedly told her that Kaylee had already left, the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office said.
Understandably concerned, the mum contacted police and officers proceeded to search the home.
Still the teen was unable to be located, so a missing person investigation was established.
More than a week went by before investigators received new information that indicated that Kaylee was being hidden at her friends home, so officers acquired a search warrant and returned.
“The collaborative investigative effort leading to this point had consumed the efforts of the entire Investigations unit with the investigation enduring throughout the day and night,” police wrote on Facebook.
Once again, members of the household insisted the teenager wasn’t there, but officers proceeded with their second search of the home.
During their careful search, detectives found Kaylee intentionally hiding in the corners of two adjoining wardrobes, among a row of hanging clothes.
The teen was found to be unharmed and was removed.
In a further search of the home, detectives found a hidden trap door leading to a makeshift sleeping area under the home, on the dirt floor.
Officers found bedding and Kaylee’s phone in the sleeping area.
Three adults were subsequently arrested on several charges including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, felony child endangerment and providing false information to a police officer.
Police officers expressed gratitude to the community on Facebook for their work in helping them solve the case.
“The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone who helped locate Kaylee. The investigation was assisted greatly by a partnership with members of the community,” they wrote in a post on Facebook.
“We are extremely thankful that Kaylee was returned to her parents and hope the best for her in the future.
“The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.”
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