Missing Virginia 13-Year-Old May Be Headed to Minnesota or Missouri

Mackenzie Paige SheltonPhoto byHalifax County Sheriff's Office

Author's Note: While I usually post about other topics, I plan to highlight missing child cases on Fridays.

Mackenzie Paige Shelton, who first went missing on Wednesday, may have traveled out of state, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. The 13-year-old girl allegedly left her home in Cluster Springs, Virginia at approximately 8 a.m., not long after her mother went to work.

Deputies believe Shelton took a few personal items with her but stated that she left her cell phone and watch behind. The 5'2" teen, who wears glasses and goes by Paige, has eczema and scars on her arms and legs. She may be traveling with an unknown person.

Shortly after relatives reported her missing at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, investigators conducted a K-9 search and traced her scent a residence on Cherry Hill Church Road in Cluster Springs.

The K-9 unit established a track from the residence to Cherry Hill Church in Cluster Springs, Virginia. The track ended at this point,” Halifax County Sheriff Fred S. Clark said in a statement. “It is believed she may have obtained a ride at this location.”

Investigators now believe Shelton may have been headed to Missouri or Minnesota.

“Information has been received that she has been seen in surrounding counties and various states,” Clark said. “However, reporting parties were unable to provide details with a vehicle description, direction of travel, or whom she may be accompanied by."

Anyone with information can call the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (434) 476-3334.

Photo byHalifax County Sheriff's Office