The FBI is reportedly involved in the ongoing search for a New Jersey girl who vanished in mid-October.
On Friday, East Orange City Hall said in a statement that the FBI and local and state police are working to find JaShyah Moore, 14, who was last seen on October 14 at Poppie’s food market in East Orange.
Moore’s mother told WPIX that her daughter first went to U.S. Market that morning to purchase paper towels and juice, but she came back home because she lost the card to purchase the items. She reportedly told her to go back and retrace her steps. However, the teen did not return within the hour, even though the deli was located a block from her home.
Moore’s mother reported her missing that day. According to WPIX, the missing teen does not own a phone.
Moore’s family was originally unaware she had also gone to Poppie’s on October 14. Police said they obtained surveillance footage showing her at that market the same day she vanished, according to the news outlet.
A local salon owner reportedly told Moore’s mother that the teen appeared upset the morning she disappeared. Further, workers at U.S. Market revealed to WPIX that a male was with Moore and paid for her items — with one of the employees noting the male was wearing a mask.
Moore’s aunt said the teen’s estranged stepfather is an East Orange police officer who is facing an assault charge for an incident last year in Irvington. The aunt said the stepfather punched her niece twice in the face, but it is unclear whether she was referring to Moore.
Moore’s mother went on to tell WPIX she received a letter that the case was going to a grand jury.
“I find it extremely convenient and coincidental that my niece goes missing a couple weeks later,” the aunt commented.
However, Essex County prosecutors told WPIX that they do not believe Moore’s disappearance is connected to the criminal case involving her stepfather.
The missing teen was reportedly last seen wearing khaki pants, a black jacket, and black boots.
Anyone with information regarding JaShyah Moore’s whereabouts is urged to call the East Orange Police Department at 973-266-5041.
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[Featured image: JaShyah Moore/Facebook]
