The mother of a 14-year-old girl who went missing in East Orange last month is speaking out and contradicting what authorities are saying about her daughter.
Jashyah Moore went missing on Oct. 14. The East Orange Police Department continues to say that no foul play is suspected. But her mother Jaime Moore rejects this notion. And weeks of sadness have now turned into anger.
“She did not run away. She did not run away. She was abducted, OK? I don’t know who did it, but we are looking for you,” Jamie Moore says.
Jashyah was last seen at Poppie’s Deli on Central Avenue in East Orange. Dozens of people have now joined in the search for the teen.
“This could be my daughter. It could be your daughter, and so the things they’re saying about the situation is just not adding up,” says Lynn Smith, with the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery in Newark.
Authorities say that they have no suspects or persons of interest and that they do not think that Jashyah is the victim of foul play.
“Everything is still under investigation and that is really all we can speak about right now,” says Chief Phyllis Bindi.
No officials were seen Tuesday night while the community hit the streets to look for Jashyah.
Still, Jamie Moore says that she is thankful for all that the East Orange Police Department and FBI are doing to fight her daughter.
“Something happened to my daughter. Somebody might have my daughter. I love you Jashyah and if you see this, don’t be scared. Mommy is gonna find you,” Jamie says.
The Moore family says Jashyah was set to speak to authorities about a domestic violence case against her stepfather, who was an East Orange police officer. The East Orange police chief mostly dodged a question about that situation, only saying that the stepfather is cooperating. News 12 New Jersey has learned he was fired last month.
Authorities are offering a $15,000 reward for information about the disappearance. Anyone who may have information about the teen's location should contact the East Orange Police Department Tip Line at 973-266-5041.
