Evansville Police Have Sought Missing Teenagers
Authorities are searching for two girls who were reported missing after leaving the Hillcrest Youth Home.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Teens
The Evansville Police Department has requested public assistance in locating 16-year-old Katelyn Smith and 15-year-old Paige Belcher. The two teenagers were last seen departing the Hillcrest Youth Home.
Why it matters
Local law enforcement officials are working to confirm the safety and whereabouts of the two minors following their disappearance. Community members are encouraged to contact authorities with any information regarding their location.
Katelyn Smith, 16, stands 5'1 and weighs 100 lbs, while 15-year-old Paige Belcher is 5'3 and 100 lbs. The department can be reached at (812) 436-7905 for information regarding the case.
The players
Evansville Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and criminal investigations within the city of Evansville.
Katelyn Smith
She is a 16-year-old individual reported missing from a local youth facility.
Paige Belcher
She is a 15-year-old individual reported missing from a local youth facility.
The details
Katelyn Smith was last observed wearing a black long sleeve shirt with black leggings, while Paige Belcher was last seen in a purple jacket and black leggings. Smith has blonde hair and blue eyes, and Belcher has brown hair and green eyes.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The teenagers were last seen leaving the Hillcrest Youth Home.
Culture Shift
The search efforts align with the standard operating procedures used by law enforcement during the initial stages of a missing persons investigation. This process reflects a broader societal shift toward rapid community alerts to ensure the safety of at-risk youth populations.
Residents in the area should remain vigilant and report any sightings of the two girls to the Juvenile Investigation Unit. Increased awareness among the public is a critical component of the ongoing efforts to locate these individuals safely.
The takeaway
Public involvement is essential when law enforcement agencies issue calls for assistance regarding missing minors. Residents should keep the provided contact information handy if they have any information that could assist in this case.
Further reading
For more information on youth safety and local resources, visit the Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 14news.
