Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Missing teen last seen at New Orleans museum could be trafficking victim

Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales was last seen wearing a blue yoga-style jumpsuit and a black Harley-Davidson pullover

Michelle Del Rey
Wednesday 03 July 2024 21:49 BST
Comments
Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales, 14, went missing in May in New Orleans
Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales, 14, went missing in May in New Orleans (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A missing 14-year-old teenager from Louisiana who was last seen in New Orleans in May could be a trafficking victim, according to police.

Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales was on a day trip to a museum in New Orleans when she disappeared. Investigators now consider her to be a “critical missing juvenile”.

The teen was in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on May 22 when they went on a group trip to the museum, New Orleans police told Fox News Digital.

Police say that at some point during the trip she “left the group” and has not been seen since. Authorities have not said why they believe she may be a victim of trafficking.

The teenager, who is described as being 5’2 and 135 lbs was last seen wearing a blue yoga-style jumpsuit and a black Harley-Davidson pullover.

Anyone with information regarding the child’s disappearance is encouraged to call the New Orleans Police Department’s Special Investigations Division at 504-658-5267.

Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales, 14, went missing in May in New Orleans
Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales, 14, went missing in May in New Orleans (New Orleans Police Department)

No additional information regarding the child’s disappearance has been released.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in