MISSING PERSONS

Hays County Crime Stoppers has partnered with all of our law enforcement agencies in Hays County to assist them in locating missing persons.  If you have any information about any missing person, you are encouraged to contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone, or by clicking the Submit a Tip button below the incident being featured.

Help us reunite loved ones with their families.

 
All tips are anonymous.
You will never be asked for your name or other identifying information.
Submit a Tip

AMBER ALERT:  Williamson County, TX

***UPDATE 02/01/2024***

Missing juvenile, Layken Stokes, has been recovered safely and reunited with her family.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office are requesting your assistance in locating a missing juvenile. An AMBER Alert has been issued.

Missing Since: Jan 31, 2024
Missing From: Taylor, TX
Age Now: 8 years
Sex: Female
Race: White
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 4'08"
Weight: 89 lbs.

Description: Last seen wearing a purple tank top, blue/white plaid pants, and a white/blue blanket. She also has temporary tattoos on her arms and wears glasses but does not currently have them.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office is searching for Layken Stokes, an 8-year-old white female who is 4'8" tall and weighs 89 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a purple tank top, blue/white plaid pants, and a white/blue blanket. She also has temporary tattoos on her arms and wears glasses but does not currently have them.

If you have any information, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at callcrimestoppers.com, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone.

AMBER ALERT:  Gonzales County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person - Juvenile
Possibly in the San Marcos, Texas Area

***UPDATE FOR GONZALES COUNTY AMBER ALERT 01/31/2024 @ 3:51pm***
 
Juvenile recovered safely.  Suspect in custody.
 
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On January 30th, 2024, an Amber Alert was sent out about Scarlet Smith. Barry "Ben" Van Mersbergen (W/M 6’2 160 lbs)- is the main suspect. As of January 31, 2024, local law enforcement has information to believe that Scarlett and Barry are in the San Marcos area. Their last known mode of transportation was a 2012 tan GMC Terrain SUV Texas license plate: 3RVWG (handicap).

If you have any information, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at callcrimestoppers.com, by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone, or using the Hays County Sheriff's Office app.

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person
(HCSO 2024-04617)

UPDATE:  01/30/2023 @ 3:48pm

Mr. Archer has been safely located by Round Rock Police Department!

 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person (case number HCSO 2024-04617).

On Monday, 01/29/2023, Joseph Charles Archer left his residence in
Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas and has not returned home. Archer was last seen driving the pictured vehicle on Highway 290 in the Travis/Bastrop County area.

Joseph Charles Archer is described as:
Age: 80   Height: 5’8”   Weight: Approx. 200 lbs.   Eyes: Green   Hair: Gray
Vehicle: White Chevrolet Tahoe bearing Texas License Plate AN8-4056

If you have any information regarding this incident, Joseph Charles Archer, or his whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person - Juvenile
(HCSO 2023-65965)

Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person - Juvenile (case number HCSO 2023-65965).

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Kristiana Grant, DOB: 07/27/2006 was dropped off at school by her grandmother. Kristiana failed to return home from school that evening. She is believed to be in the area of San Marcos, Texas, at an apartment complex off of LBJ.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Kristiana Grant, or her whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 
Kristiana grant

San Marcos Police Department Seeks Assistance in Locating Missing Person-Endangered

***UPDATE 12/09/2023***
 
San Marcos Police Department has advised that Jacob Newhouse has been located deceased today, Saturday, December 9. SMPD is conducting an investigation into his death, but foul play is not suspected.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the San Marcos Police Department are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person-Endangered.

San Marcos Police Department is asking for the public's help locating 45-year-old Jacob Newhouse. Newhouse was reported missing to SMPD by a family member on Friday, December 1 after he went missing. The family member told SMPD that Newhouse was last seen Tuesday, November 28 when he left his home on Escondido Circle in San Marcos without his wallet, phone, vehicle, or keys. Police contacted his work and he failed to show up on November 29th. Other information suggests Newhouse may have intent to harm himself, and San Marcos Police are searching for him as a Missing Person - Endangered.

Newhouse is 5’ 11” tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He may have been wearing the green plaid clothing pictured in the photo below when he went missing.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Jacob Newhouse, or his whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 
Submit a Tip

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person - Juvenile
(HCSO 2023-64874)

***UPDATE 11/13/2023***
 
Hays County Sheriff's Office has advised that Braiden Powers has been located and recovered safely.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person - Juvenile (case number HCSO 2023-64874).

On November 4, 2023, Hays County deputies responded to a missing juvenile runaway report in Kyle, Texas. A runaway report was taken for Braiden Powers (W/M DOB 7/20/2006). Braiden was last seen getting into a white 4-door vehicle at his home. Braiden may be in the Austin, Texas area with his girlfriend Marley unknown last name.

Braiden is described as:
Height:6-00
Weight: 120 pounds
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown


If you have any information regarding this incident, Braiden Powers, or his whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 

Kyle Police Department Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person - Juvenile

***UPDATE 11/07/2023***
 
Kyle Police Department has advised that Jade Villela-Villanueva has been located and recovered safely.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Kyle Police Department are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person - Juvenile.

On November 6, 2023, it was reported that 14-year-old Jade Villela-Villanueva was last seen on the night of November 5th and she did not go to school today.  The attached photo is from two days ago and Jade is believed to have a black sugar skull purse with her.  Jade is 5'1", 220lbs, brown hair and eyes.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Jade Villela-Villanueva, or her whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 
Jade 2

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person / Runaway Juvenile
(HCSO 2023-58806)

Deluna
***UPDATE 08/27/2023***
 
Hays County Sheriff's Office has advised that Lylanna Deluna has been located and returned home safely.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person / Runaway Juvenile (case number HCSO 2023-58809).

On 3 October 2023, Lylanna Deluna (W/F DOB: 06/13/2009) Lylanna failed to return home from school. Lylanna is known to frequent San Marcos, Texas, specifically the areas of Monica Street or Schawe Mobile Home Park. Lylanna was last seen wearing unknown clothes and a James Avery necklace (Silver in Color) with a cross.  If located, please contact local law enforcement with the child's location.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Lylanna Deluna, or her whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating a Missing Person - Juvenile
(HCSO 2023-49872)

Melanie perez
***UPDATE 08/27/2023***
 
Hays County Sheriff's Office detectives have advised that Melanie Perez has been located and is safe.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are seeking your assistance in locating a Missing Person - Juvenile (case number HCSO 2023-49872).

On August 18, 2023, Hays County deputies responded to an address in Kyle, Texas regarding a missing juvenile. The family reported that Melanie Perez was last seen at her residence in Kyle on August 17, 2023. Melanie may be with a friend who has been identified, and who resides in Uhland, Caldwell County, Texas.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Melanie Perez, or her whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. 

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating Runaway
(HCSO 2023-49287)

***UPDATE 07/21/2023***
 
Hays County Sheriff's Office detectives have advised that Meleah Hernandez returned home safely.
 
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Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office are seeking your assistance in locating a runaway (case number HCSO 2023-49287).

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, Meleah Verastegui Hernandez (a 12-year-old female) left her residence in Kyle, Hays County, Texas without the consent of her mother and has not returned home.  Meleah is believed to be with her boyfriend Jason Brown in the Austin, Texas area.

Meleah is described as:  being 5'2" tall, approximately 100 pounds; and with red hair.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Meleah Verastegui Hernandez, or her whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone.
Diaz found

Hays County Sheriff's Office Seeks Assistance in Locating Runaway

***UPDATE 07/21/2023***
 
Hays County Sheriff's Office detectives have advised that Osvaldo Diaz was recovered safely this afternoon by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.  Diaz was located at his father's residence.
 
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The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is seeking your assistance in locating a runaway.

Osvaldo Diaz (15 year of age, male, juvenile). Osvaldo was reported as a runaway in the Kyle area by his mother. Osvaldo is approximately 5’4”, 120 lbs. brown eyes & brown hair.

If you have any information regarding this incident, Osvaldo Diaz, or his whereabouts, please contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at http://callcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone.