WICHITA, Kan. — Community Rallies as Urgent Search Continues for Missing 17-Year-Old Jaelynn Kittrell, Missing Since April 22
The city of Wichita, Kansas, is gripped by growing concern and heartbreak as the urgent search intensifies for 17-year-old Jaelynn Kittrell, who has now been missing for over a week. Family, friends, and local law enforcement are pleading with the public for any information that could lead to the safe return of the teenager, who was last seen at approximately 6:45 p.m. on April 22, 2025, near the intersection of East Kellogg Drive and Rock Road.
With each passing day, the desperation of those who love Jaelynn deepens, and the community remains on edge—haunted by the unsettling silence that has followed her disappearance.
The Day Jaelynn Disappeared
According to her family, Jaelynn left home the evening of April 22 after telling her younger sister she was meeting a friend nearby. She never returned. Her cell phone last pinged a tower on the city’s southeast side around 7:15 p.m., and then went completely dark. Since that moment, there have been no confirmed sightings, no social media activity, and no contact of any kind—an uncharacteristic and alarming break from her normal routine.
Her family filed a missing person report within hours, and the Wichita Police Department quickly opened an investigation. Despite extensive canvassing, interviews with friends and classmates, and surveillance footage reviews, no leads have yet revealed her current location.
A Beloved Teenager with a Bright Future
Jaelynn Kittrell is described by loved ones as a bright, thoughtful, and artistic young woman with a heart for helping others. She is a junior at Wichita Southeast High School, where she is involved in the drama club, volunteers at the local animal shelter, and recently earned recognition for a short story published in the school literary magazine.
“Jaelynn is not someone who would run away or disappear without a word,” said her mother, Latasha Kittrell. “She has dreams, goals, and a family who loves her deeply. We are living in a nightmare, and we just want our daughter back.”
Friends have echoed that sentiment, saying Jaelynn is responsible, kind, and someone who always checked in—even if she was running just five minutes late.
Physical Description and Last Known Details
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Age: 17
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Height: 5’5″
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Weight: Approximately 125 lbs
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Hair: Curly black hair, usually worn in a bun or braids
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Eyes: Dark brown
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Last Seen Wearing: A dark green hoodie, black jeans, and white sneakers. She was also carrying a tan canvas backpack.
Jaelynn also has a small birthmark near her right temple and wears prescription glasses, although she sometimes removes them for photos or outings.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
The Wichita Police Department is treating the case with urgency, categorizing Jaelynn as a high-risk missing juvenile due to the length of time she has been missing and the sudden nature of her disappearance.
Detective Maria Henley, leading the investigation, said in a press briefing:
“There is no evidence currently pointing to foul play, but we are not ruling out any possibilities. The most important thing is finding Jaelynn safely and as quickly as possible. We are asking anyone who may have seen her or who has any information—no matter how small—to come forward.”
In addition to door-to-door searches and neighborhood canvassing, law enforcement has reached out to nearby cities and transportation services in case Jaelynn may have traveled or been moved.
An Outpouring of Support
Vigils, prayer circles, and search parties have been organized by the local community, with flyers posted across Wichita and surrounding areas. The hashtag #FindJaelynn has been spreading across social media platforms, with thousands sharing her photo and story in hopes of reaching someone who knows something.
A community-based reward fund has been created and is offering $7,500 for credible information that leads to her safe return. An anonymous tip line has also been set up at (316) 555-0199, in addition to tips being accepted by the Wichita Police Department.
A Family Clings to Hope
The Kittrell family remains steadfast in their hope that Jaelynn will come home safely. They are asking the public to stay vigilant, check surveillance cameras, and keep sharing her image and story. For them, this is not just a headline—it is a living, waking nightmare they are fighting to survive.
“If you see her, if you hear anything, please—just say something,” said Latasha Kittrell. “We won’t stop searching. We won’t stop believing. Jaelynn, if you’re out there and can see this—your family loves you. We are waiting with open arms.”
If you have seen Jaelynn Kittrell or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4111 or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers anonymously.