The family of 13-year-old Amiyah Johnson believes she could be in southwest Houston.
SPRING, Texas — Family members and authorities are searching for a 13-year-old girl who has been missing for nearly a month.
Investigators believe 13-year-old Amiyah Johnson ran away from her Spring-area home near Falvel and Spring Stuebner on April 11, according to her family.
Her grandmother, Lionnisha Johnson, said the disappearance comes after months of grief for the family.
Johnson said Amiyah’s mother died in a car crash in September. Since then, she said, Amiyah has struggled to cope with the loss.
“She’s grieving, and she’s really trying to run away from reality,” Johnson said.
According to her grandmother, Amiyah had run away from home a handful of times in recent months, but she had always remained in contact with friends and eventually returned home.
Johnson said this time has been different.
Surveillance video shows Amiyah leaving her home on April 11. Johnson said Amiyah went to visit a friend nearby, but after that, her family lost contact with her. She did not have a phone with her.
The next day, Johnson reported her missing to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.
“Granny loves you. I’m always going to be there for you,” Johnson said. “We can grieve your mom together. I just need to make sure you’re OK.”
Helping in the search is private investigator and community advocate, Natural Nwonknu. Nwonknu said she has been following up on tips, but many have turned out to be false.
“That’s very frustrating,” Nwonknu said. “Why would someone play with something so serious?”
Johnson said the family believes Amiyah may be in southwest Houston.
Now, the grandmother, who has already lost her daughter, said she is pleading for Amiyah’s safe return.
“I just don’t want another phone call,” Johnson said.
Anyone with information about Amiyah’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office at 281-376-3472.
Under Texas law, knowingly harboring a runaway child can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
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