Marion County deputies search for missing, endangered girl

15-year-old needs medication, investigators say

MISSING: Vanessa Valella (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing and endangered girl who has health issues and needs medication.

According to a news release, Vanessa Velella, 15, was last seen Monday at a home on Pecan Run Harbor in the Shores near Ocala.

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Velella was last seen wearing a black and white checkered top, black leggings with shorts and black combat boots, deputies said.

Investigators ask anyone who may have seen her to call 911.


About the Author:

Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.