Missing Nevada teen searched in desert, high concern

Posted: January 4, 2025, 09:04 pm.

Last updated: January 4, 2025, 09:04 pm.

Volunteers and police officers this weekend in Henderson, Nev., in the desert near Las Vegas. The search continued for a teenager who had left home after a family dispute and may be without food or water.

Jenaleh Hines, also known as “Jenna”, 17, ran away from her family's residence on Monday and has not been seen since.

the dog recognized his scent

At one point a tracking dog picked up her scent in the desert near the Paradise Hills neighborhood, authorities said. Searchers are concerned that she may be at risk of dehydration if she remains in the forest for too long.

So far, the dog was unable to regain his scent. A witness is also believed to have seen the girl walking towards the desert.

There were some chances of sightings of the missing teen at other locations in the area, but she has been missing since Saturday morning.

In addition to dogs, the search is aided by helicopters, drones, and searchers on horses, motorcycles and off-road vehicles.

The concentrated search area is about 10 miles. It is within the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, a wilderness area of ​​more than 48,000 acres.

The police have reached out to her lover and other friends. But they could not locate him.

Those involved in the search included multiple police departments, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, school police officers, and the regional volunteer organization, Red Rock Search and Rescue. Some high school classmates and area adults have also volunteered.

“She was distraught when she left,” said Mark Spear, commander of Red Rock Search and Rescue, adding that she had left the house Monday. “So, every day it becomes more important… every day is more important than the last.”

Spear explained that if one is without food and water, especially after 72 hours, survival becomes more difficult.

Authorities said Hines left his home without a cell phone, supplies, credit cards or money. Apparently he had no food or water.

general family dispute

Police have not elaborated on what the disagreement was about.

You know, this is a normal family dispute that teenagers have with their parents,'' Speier told reporters. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”

He described the missing teen as “exemplary in every way.” Never had any problems with mom and dad. He has no history of running away or having problems with law enforcement.

According to Las Vegas TV station KSNV, she is a straight-A student at Foothill High School in Henderson and plans to attend nursing school in the fall.

Her parents are shocked and when they realize she is missing they immediately start searching for their daughter.

“I love you. We just want you back. Our home is broken without you and we need you, so please come back,'” Hines' stepfather, Corey Swanson, said during a recent press conference. Said.

“Jenna, wherever you are, whoever you're with, I just want you to come home,” her mother Jennifer Swanson said, crying. I want you safe. We love you so much.”

She is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs approximately 163 pounds and has black, waist-length hair. According to an image captured on a home surveillance camera, she left the house around 7 p.m. Monday wearing a black, Under Armor hoodie sweatshirt, baggy black sweatpants, and black and white Nike shoes.