1-Year-Old Florida Girl Discovered Miles Away After Being Missing for More Than a Month
A 1-year-old girl who had been missing for more than a month has been safely located in another state, bringing an end to a worrying search that began in early December.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Anastasia Mason was first reported missing on Dec. 2 in Pensacola, Florida. She was last seen with her parents before authorities lost track of her whereabouts.
In a major development on Jan. 15, deputies announced that the toddler had been found safely in Uriah, Alabama — over a month after her disappearance. Local law enforcement did not immediately release details about how or where she was located, but confirmed her safety.
Anastasia’s mother, Jami Makala Owens, has been arrested in connection with the case. While exact charges have not yet been made public, reports indicate she had outstanding warrants related to child abuse and petty theft prior to her arrest.
The circumstances surrounding Anastasia’s disappearance remain under investigation, with authorities continuing to piece together how she ended up miles from home. It is not yet clear whether her father is facing charges.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initially launched a missing persons alert after being called to a hotel where Owens was found unresponsive, and deputies were unable to find the child. At that time, narcotics were reportedly recovered from the room.
The little girl’s safe recovery has brought relief to her community and family as law enforcement continues its investigation.
