Fort Wayne authorities are urgently looking for 15-year-old Aliyah Difilippo, who vanished from the 5200 block of Harrison Street around 7:11 p.m. on November 23, 2025. Police say she was last seen wearing a black tank top and black pajama bottoms, and they ask anyone with tips to call 260-427-1222 or 911 right away.
Details of the Disappearance
The Fort Wayne Police Department issued a public safety alert early on November 24, 2025, after Aliyah failed to return home. Reports show she left her residence on the city’s south side without any known reason, sparking immediate concern from family and law enforcement.
Investigators have not found signs of foul play so far, but they stress the need for quick action given her age. Local residents reported no unusual activity in the area that evening, though police are reviewing nearby security footage and talking to neighbors.
This case echoes a growing trend in Indiana, where over 1,000 children under 18 went missing in 2024 alone, according to state records. Many return safely, but time is critical in these situations.
Physical Description and Last Known Outfit
Aliyah stands at 5 feet tall and weighs about 110 pounds. She has long curly brown hair, brown eyes, dental braces, and wears earrings.
Her appearance makes her easy to spot in a crowd, and police hope this helps in the search. Family members say she often stays close to home, which makes her sudden absence even more alarming.
To aid the public, here is a quick breakdown of her key features:
- Height: 5 feet
- Weight: 110 pounds
- Hair: Long, curly, brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Distinctive marks: Dental braces and earrings
She was dressed casually at the time, in sleepwear that suggests she might not have planned to go far.
Community Response and Search Efforts
People in Fort Wayne have stepped up quickly to help find Aliyah. Social media posts from local groups and volunteers spread the word within hours of the alert, with many sharing her photo and description online.
Search parties formed on November 24, focusing on parks, streets, and nearby neighborhoods. Community leaders organized vigils and tip lines, drawing on past successes in similar cases.
One resident told reporters that the tight-knit south side community feels the impact deeply. Volunteers from churches and schools joined police in canvassing areas like Calhoun Street and Fairfax Avenue, where some leads pointed.
This response mirrors efforts in other recent missing person cases in the region, showing how locals rally during crises.
Recent data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children highlights that community involvement resolves about 90 percent of teen missing cases within the first week.
Previous Incidents and Patterns
Aliyah has gone missing before, adding urgency to the current search. In September 2025, she disappeared briefly but was found safe after a widespread alert.
That earlier event involved her last seen near Concord Lane and Fairfield Avenue, and police reunited her with family without incident. Experts note that repeat disappearances can stem from family issues or personal struggles, though details remain private.
Indiana saw a spike in teen runaways in 2025, with urban areas like Fort Wayne reporting higher numbers due to factors like school stress and online influences. National stats from 2024 show over 400,000 missing child reports across the U.S., many involving teens aged 15 to 17.
Understanding these patterns helps police tailor their approach, focusing on safe havens and support networks.
How Police Are Handling the Case
The Fort Wayne Police Department leads the investigation, working with state agencies for broader reach. They use drones, K-9 units, and digital tools to track possible leads.
Officers urge the public to report any sightings immediately, even if uncertain. A spokesperson said the department treats every missing child case as high priority, drawing from protocols updated in 2025 after national reviews.
To give a clearer picture of recent similar cases in Fort Wayne, here is a table summarizing key details:
| Case Date | Missing Person | Age | Last Seen Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 10, 2025 | Sajiyah Haney-Warren | 15 | South side | Ongoing |
| October 10, 2025 | Alayah Collins | 12 | Coliseum Boulevard | Found safe |
| September 17, 2025 | Aliyah Difilippo | 15 | Concord Lane | Found safe |
| November 21, 2023 | Amera M. Debacher | 15 | Citywide | Resolved |
This table shows a pattern of quick resolutions in many instances, offering hope for Aliyah’s safe return.
What You Can Do to Help
Anyone with information should contact police without delay. Sharing the alert on social media can reach more eyes and increase chances of a positive outcome.
Parents and guardians can learn from this by discussing safety with teens, such as setting check-in routines and knowing their online contacts.
If you live in Fort Wayne, consider joining local search efforts or supporting missing persons organizations.
We encourage readers to share this article and leave comments below with any thoughts or additional tips that could help. Your input might make a difference in bringing Aliyah home safely.
