(Update: At 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office advised that two-year-old Leiah Joleen Risner has been located and is safe.)
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is turning to the public to help locate a missing and endangered two-year-old girl.
According to a media release from MCSO, the sheriff’s office had received a pickup order obtained by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding the well-being of two-year-old Leiah Joleen Risner.
MCSO states that there is a concern for Leiah’s safety after a drug overdose death occurred inside her family’s home in September, which is located in the 29100 block of SE 180th Road in Altoona. DCF also found the residence to be in deplorable condition.
DCF has attempted to make contact with Leiah’s parents, 39-year-old Melvin Joseph Risner and 37-year-old Crystal Marie Risner, to assess Leiah’s well-being. According to MCSO, Melvin and Crystal have avoided all contact with DCF.
Leiah was last seen with her mother, Crystal, who may be driving a blue Ford SUV with Florida tag #QBYK34.
If anyone has any information, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office by calling 911.