Local Community Organizes Vigil For Missing Girl Tonee Turner

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The family and friends of a local woman who has been missing since Monday held a vigil in her honor Saturday.

They gathered at the Braddock Carnegie Library hoping for Tonee Turner's safe return.

She was last seen at Dobrá Tea in Squirrel Hill Monday night.

Some of her personal belongings were later found on the Homestead Grays Bridge.

Tonee's sister Sydnee Turner described what the past few days have been like for her family:

"Sleeplessness, not eating, anxiety, panic, hope," she said. "But all throughout this there has been this tangible hope, and it's getting stronger and stronger every day."

Saturday night, more than 100 people shared their memories of Tonee.

The diverse crowd was a symbol of Tonee's ability to bring people together.

For nearly two hours, the group laughed and cried as they talked about their missing loved one.

"She had a really magnetic personality," said Tonee's high school friend Alexandra Aks. "Something I always admired about her is that [she] was able to meet a person and they'd instantly love her."

In a heartbreaking moment, Tonee's mother Darlene Johnson said through tears she's preparing for the worst.

"I don't know how I'm going to go on without her, but I will find a way," she said.

Several speakers in the group highlighted Tonee's love for art, her dancing and her memorable hugs.

"She was phenomenally creative," said Tonee's friend Malcolm Thomas. "She was also just a really beautiful person to be around."

Tonee's family continues to search for her and say police have received several tips.

They ask anyone who thinks they may know where Tonee is to call police.