The Howell County Sheriff’s Office issued an endangered person advisory Saturday afternoon, for a 17-year-old girl reported missing from her home on County Road 9470 in West Plains.
Abigail Katherine Lawless, 17, was reported missing at midnight Friday, and is described as a 17-year-old white girl, standing at 5 feet, nine inches tall and weighing 162 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes, and it was unknown what clothing she was wearing.
According to the alert, disseminated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Lawless left a note stating she was “better off living on her own,” and was believed at the time to be possibly traveling to Kansas City with a person she met online; that person’s identity is unknown.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which takes its information from the National Crime Information Center, notes Lawless turned 17 on Aug. 8 and includes an update that the possibility exists she may be traveling to the state of Virginia. The vehicle in which she is traveling is unknown.
Anyone with information about Lawless’ whereabouts should immediately dial 911 or call the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, 417-256-2544.
