16-year-old missing out on after fulfilling older male on social networks, family says
HAMMOND, Ind.– A northwest Indiana teenage woman has actually been missing for more than a week after her family stated she met an older man on social media. Her family is now advocating info and has an essential warning about social networks.
Shauna Murphy, 16, has actually been missing from Hammond because Jan. 5. She is referred to as 5 feet 2 inches tall and 140 pounds. She has brown eyes, dark hair and a medium build. Her grandmother, Darlene Spencer, stated the teen met a 19-year-old man on Instagram.
“Undoubtedly they launched a conversation, and she simply got ‘swooned into’ what 16-year-old women do,” she said. “They are just emotional at 16 and type of gullible– they fall for anything.”
Most dating apps ban people under the age of 18. So numerous teens have actually found a method around those rules by utilizing other the social-media platforms, like Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram to trade romantic messages.
Spencer said the situation shows the dangers of digital dating.
“Connect with your kids. Do not let them survive on a computer or in front of a phone. Social network is simply poison. Young girls and young guys are on there and they’re being groomed, and they don’t even recognize it,” Spencer said.
Hammond authorities confirmed they are investigating the case, however not as a kidnapping. in a composed declaration, Lt. Steve Kellogg said, “She is a runaway and there are no indications of foul play. We are checking out the fact the she has actually been dating a male 3 years older than she is, and when her parents would not allow her to see the male, she left a note with her intentions to leave. We are thoroughly investigating, and detectives have multiple tips as to her whereabouts, nevertheless, they do not think she remains in threat at this time.”
The school superintendent at Murphy’s school said she’s likewise examining the scenario, and wants Murphy to return to class securely and soon.
Anyone with information about her location are asked to call police.
This content was originally published here.