Pennsylvania authorities on Wednesday continued their massive search for an Amish teenager who disappeared on Sunday after attending a church service—a move
Friends and family have described as “out of character” for the “sweet girl” who never caused trouble. Linda Stoltzfoos, 18, was last seen around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at a farm on Stumptown Road in the heart of Pennsylvania’s bucolic Amish country, the East Lampeter Township
police Department told The Daily Beast. Authorities said that when Stoltzfoos—who was wearing a tan dress, white apron, and white cape—failed to return to her Beechdale Road home after attending a church service just down the road, her parents became concerned and contacted police. “She was a sweet quiet girl who would never put herself in a troublesome situation,” one family friend told The Daily Beast. “We are shocked—her even leaving without informing anybody where she was going is out of character. This is all out of character.”Authorities also believe the teenager’s disappearance is unusual, and while she is still being treated as an endangered missing person, several law enforcement agencies have joined the search. According to
Pennsylvania State Police, which is also involved in the search effort, Stoltzfoos “may be at special risk of harm or injury.”A spokesperson for the East Lampeter Township police said at least 100 volunteers and trained search personnel have put in 1,500 man hours into the search for the missing teenager in rural Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, the
FBI joined the search, allowing authorities to use “more tools” in addition to dogs, horses, ATV equipment, and drones. East Lampeter Township detectives are interviewing family members and friends for further information about Stoltzfoos.While foul play has not been ruled out, police are “still attempting to figure out what may have happened” and are investigating “all angles” of the incident,” East Lampeter Township police said.“There is no reason for us to believe that she wanted to just leave,” a spokesperson added to
NBC News. “She did not indicate to anyone that she wanted to leave or take a trip. From what we understand, just running off without telling anyone would be very out of character for Linda.”Air Force Member Charged With Kidnapping, Murdering Missing Mennonite WomanTo help with the search, a
Facebook page titled “Amish Girl Missing - Linda Stoltzfoos” has been created to provide updates in the teenager’s case. “A new day.....the family and community will continue searching for Linda,” one Wednesday post said, along with a photo of an open field. The page, adorned with photos and videos of community members volunteering to help with the search and praying for her safe return, also includes information on community prayer meetings. On Tuesday evening, a meeting was held behind the Smucker homestead in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania—where over 100 came out to pray, cry, and sing in the open field, according to LancasterOnline.“Thank you everyone for your prayers and support,” the Facebook post states. “We will be holding another evening of prayer and worship on behalf of Linda, her family, and the local community. Please join us in person or on Facebook Live as we intercede for Linda this evening.”