Detectives Search For 12-Year-Old Girl Reported Missing In North Hills
NORTH HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Detectives sought the public's help on Wednesday to locate a 12-year-old girl who has been reported missing in North Hills.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Donyetta Butts was last seen at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Hometown Inn, located in the 9400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.
Officers said her mother, Michelle Mosby, reported her Butts missing just before midnight.
"All I can say is we just want her to come home," added Mosby. "If anyone has seen her, please call."
Mosby explained her daughter has been diagnosed with mental health issues, and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder along with a mood disorder.
Butts needs medication as she could have a panic attack.
Authorities set up a command post in the area, and K-9 officers were brought to the scene to assist in the search.
According to police, this is the first time Butts has ever walked away or has been reported missing.
"We conducted a follow up to a location in efforts to find the missing juvenile with negative results," said Sgt. Bennie Boatwright. "The investigation is still pending. We're doing everything we can to locate the female."
Mosby explained her daughter does not have a cell phone, which will make it difficult to get back in touch with her.
Butts does not have a boyfriend, so it remains unclear what prompted her to wander off.
Butts has been living in California for one year with her mother. While there are no reported child custody issues, it remains unclear where her father lives.
Detectives described Butts as a girl who stands 5-foot-5 tall and weighs 135 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink and white spandex shirt and black leggings. She was barefoot at the time of her disappearance.
Her hair was in a long braid with maroon colored tips, authorities said.
Mosby added her daughter has a distinctive scar on her arm.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Butts has been urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (818) 838-9820.
