PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The family of a missing teenager from Kirkland, Washington, says she may be in the Portland area and is asking for the community’s help finding her.
Their daughter, 16-year-old Francisca Hunter, was last seen on Oct. 26 around 8 p.m. near the 112 block of NE 124 Street in Kirkland, Washington, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Her parents, Lety and Jacob Hunter, say she went missing after she left a residential treatment center without her phone, identification, money or a change of clothes. They say she told several friends she had planned to travel to Sacramento under the name “Angelina Dylan," and may be telling people she's 18.
Jacob said the family has been searching up and down the I-5 corridor, following any leads they receive both on social media and from community members.
On Friday night, the Hunter family arrived in Portland after receiving a tip from social media.
“We had a lead from Facebook,” Jacob said. “She might have been seen a couple of times in Portland, which brings us here.”
The Hunters have since spent time searching local streets, food banks, shelters and truck stops, while also distributing flyers.
“We’re handing out flyers, first asking if anyone’s seen her or recognized her and then asking to post the flyers to keep an eye out,” Jacob said. She added that they are relying on people in the community for tips about where else to search.
Francisca reportedly left the treatment center and was last seen at a nearby gas station. Her parents add the facility was not a lockdown institution.
“They have security cameras, they have alarm systems, they have everything they can but if the kid elopes, which was the case, there’s only so much they can do for what we understand legally,” Lety said. “They can chase them around but can’t physically restrain them.”
The family is especially concerned as they say Francisca has struggled with anxiety, depression and substance use, and they worry she may feel scared and isolated.
“I know that she’s scared,” Lety said. “I know that she really doesn’t want to be out there. I know she wants to be just a normal kid and have a normal life, and somehow she’s just struggling to figure that [out].”
Her parents tell KATU they want Francisca to know that she is loved and supported, despite what she may be feeling.
“My biggest concern is that she doesn’t believe that she’s worth it of love and forgiveness,” Lety said. “And my message to her is that we love her so much and there’s just so many people that care for her and there’s absolutely nothing that we wouldn’t do to make sure that she’s healthy and safe.”
If someone believes they have seen Francisca, her parents ask that they not approach her directly, but instead contact authorities.
The Washington State Patrol has issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert for Fancisca, describing her as last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a black long-sleeved top and black flats.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Kirkland Police Department at 425-587-3400 or 911. Case number: 26-42875.
Francisca’s parents continue to hold hope and focus their efforts on making sure Francisca is safe.
“We are absolutely going to do whatever it takes to make sure that she's healthy,” Lety said.