Boston Police Sought Public Help Locating Missing Teen

Authorities have requested assistance in finding 14-year-old Nova Worrell, who was last seen on September 16.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Property Crime

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The Boston Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating 14-year-old Nova Worrell, who was last seen in the Mattapan neighborhood on September 16. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Boston Police Department has asked the public for help locating 14-year-old Nova Worrell. She was reported missing on September 17 after last being seen in the Mattapan neighborhood.

Why it matters

Law enforcement officials are prioritizing this search to ensure the safe recovery of the teenager. Public assistance is frequently requested to help authorities gain leads in cases involving missing minors.

The Boston Police Department is leading the investigation and currently holds a description of the girl as 5-foot-1 and 140 to 150 pounds. Detectives are encouraging anyone with information to contact District B-3 or provide an anonymous tip.

The players

Boston Police Department

This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and criminal investigations within the city of Boston.

Nova Worrell

She is the 14-year-old girl currently being sought by authorities after being reported missing in the Mattapan area.

District B-3 Detectives

This specific unit of the Boston Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of the missing teenager.

The details

Nova Worrell was last seen at 9 a.m. on Hillsboro Road in Mattapan wearing a red shirt and red sweatpants. The teen has black hair with a light brown streak and is known to frequent Grove Hall, Boylston Street, and the Copley area.

Timeline

  1. September 16, 2026: Nova Worrell was last seen at 9 a.m.

  2. September 17, 2026: The Boston Police Department reported the girl missing.

Legal Context

This case follows standard search efforts outlined in the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's missing child response protocols, mirroring similar local investigations. Authorities consistently use public notification as a primary tool to increase the efficacy of recovery efforts.

Residents in the Mattapan, Grove Hall, and Copley areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings to the police. Providing anonymous tips helps authorities process leads faster without requiring direct involvement from the caller.

The takeaway

The public serves a vital role in missing person cases by providing eyewitness accounts that can lead to a safe resolution. Anyone with relevant information should contact the police immediately through established anonymous channels.

Further reading

For more information on safety and local investigations, visit the Property Crime section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Boston.