WEST PLAINS, Mo. — The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is asking for the public’s help to find a missing teen. Abigail Lawless, 17, went missing from her home in West Plains, Missouri, on August 17, 2024.
Abigail disappeared in the middle of the night after her family had gone to sleep. Authorities believe she may have traveled to Virginia with a stranger she met online. Abigail is described as 5’9″, 160 lbs., with brown eyes and brown hair.
Her family reports that there were no signs of unusual behavior before her disappearance. Abigail’s mother, Leah Lawless, says that this is out of character for her daughter, who has not attempted to contact family or friends since she left. Leah wants her daughter to know that she is deeply missed.
Anyone with information about Abigail’s whereabouts is urged to contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Howell County Sheriff’s Office at 1-417-256-2544.