Police seek public’s help to locate Mikayla Trujillo

The Palisade Police Department is asking for the public’s help to find a missing teen who has been gone since last night. Mikayla Trujillo, a student at Palisade High School, was last seen leaving her home around 9 p.m. on February 14, 2024. She did not return home and has not been in contact with her family or friends since then.

According to the police, Mikayla is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs about 120 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, and white sneakers when she left. She may also have a backpack with her.

The police have not released any information on the circumstances of her disappearance or whether they suspect any foul play. They are urging anyone who has seen Mikayla or knows her whereabouts to call the non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707.

Family and friends worried about Mikayla’s safety

Mikayla’s family and friends are very concerned about her well-being and are hoping for her safe return. They have posted flyers and messages on social media, asking for any leads or tips that could help locate her.

Mikayla’s mother, Jessica Trujillo, said she last spoke to her daughter around 8:30 p.m. on February 14, 2024, and that she seemed normal and happy. She said she does not know why Mikayla would leave without telling anyone or where she could have gone.

“She’s a good kid, she’s never done anything like this before. She’s always been responsible and respectful. She loves her family and friends. She’s not into drugs or alcohol or anything like that. She’s just a normal teenager who likes to hang out with her friends and play video games,” Jessica said.

Jessica said she is worried that Mikayla may have met someone online or been lured by someone who could harm her. She said she has checked Mikayla’s phone and social media accounts, but has not found anything suspicious or unusual.

“I just want her to come home. I want her to know that we love her and we’re not mad at her. We just want to make sure she’s OK. If anyone knows anything, please call the police. Please help us find our daughter,” Jessica said.

Mikayla’s best friend, Kayla Martinez, said she also talked to Mikayla on the night of February 14, 2024, and that she did not mention anything about leaving or going somewhere. She said Mikayla was supposed to meet her at school the next day, but she never showed up.

“I’m really scared for her. She’s like a sister to me. We’ve been friends since kindergarten. We do everything together. She’s always there for me and I’m always there for her. She’s smart, funny, kind, and beautiful. She has so much to live for. I don’t know what could have happened to her,” Kayla said.

Kayla said she and other friends have been searching for Mikayla in the area, but have not found any clues or signs of her. She said she hopes Mikayla is safe and will contact them soon.

“Mikayla, if you’re reading this, please call me or your mom or the police. Please let us know you’re OK. We miss you so much. We’re worried sick about you. We love you and we want you back,” Kayla said.

Community rallies behind Mikayla’s family

The Palisade community has shown its support and solidarity for Mikayla’s family and friends, offering prayers, donations, and assistance in the search. Several local businesses and organizations have also joined the efforts, displaying flyers and posters with Mikayla’s picture and information.

The Palisade High School, where Mikayla is a sophomore, has provided counseling and resources for students and staff who are affected by her disappearance. The school’s principal, John Smith, said Mikayla is a well-liked and respected student who excels academically and extracurricularly.

“Mikayla is a wonderful young lady who has a bright future ahead of her. She is a valued member of our school community and we are all hoping and praying for her safe return. We are doing everything we can to support her family and friends during this difficult time,” Smith said.

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce, which represents the local businesses and tourism industry, has also expressed its concern and sympathy for Mikayla’s family and friends. The chamber’s president, Jane Doe, said the chamber is working with the police and the media to spread the word and raise awareness about Mikayla’s case.

“We are deeply saddened and troubled by Mikayla’s disappearance. She is one of our own and we want her back. We are asking everyone in Palisade and beyond to keep an eye out for her and to report any information that could help find her. We are also asking everyone to keep her and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers,” Doe said.

The Palisade Police Department has thanked the community for its cooperation and collaboration in the search for Mikayla. The police have also reminded the public to be vigilant and cautious, especially when it comes to online interactions and strangers.

“We appreciate the community’s involvement and assistance in this case. We are following every lead and tip that we receive, but we still need more information. We are asking anyone who has any knowledge or insight into Mikayla’s disappearance to come forward and share it with us. We are also asking parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and to educate them about the potential dangers and risks of meeting unknown people online,” the police said in a statement.

The police have also advised the public to check the Palisade Police Department’s Facebook page for updates and alerts on Mikayla’s case.