Richland County Authorities Search for Missing Teenager
The Richland County Sheriff's Office is asking for public help to locate a 13-year-old girl missing in Columbia.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Pre-Teens
Officials are searching for 13-year-old Alicea Michelle Morales-Anzora, who was reported missing after she was last seen in Columbia. The Richland County Sheriff's Office has issued a notice for public assistance in locating the vulnerable juvenile.
Why it matters
Law enforcement agencies frequently rely on community reports to help recover vulnerable minors, making public awareness critical during the initial stages of a search. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the department immediately.
Alicea Michelle Morales-Anzora is 13 years old and was last seen wearing black pajamas. She is described as Hispanic with shoulder-length dark brown hair and brown eyes.
The players
Richland County Sheriff's Office
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for maintaining public safety and conducting missing person investigations within Columbia and its surrounding areas.
Alicea Michelle Morales-Anzora
She is a 13-year-old juvenile who has been identified as a missing person by local authorities.
The details
Deputies are actively investigating the disappearance of the teenager from the Horseshoe Drive area. The sheriff's office is coordinating outreach efforts and has requested that anyone who may have seen her reach out to the department at 803-576-3000 or call 911.
Timeline
Alicea Michelle Morales-Anzora was last seen on October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This search follows the established recovery protocols developed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. These standard procedures prioritize rapid public engagement to improve the likelihood of a safe recovery for missing minors.
Residents in the Horseshoe Drive area are encouraged to check security cameras and remain vigilant for any information regarding the teen. Reporting sightings or potential leads directly to the sheriff's office helps facilitate a faster response from authorities.
The takeaway
When a juvenile is reported missing, immediate communication with local law enforcement is the most effective way to help. Community members can assist by sharing verified missing person notices to extend the search radius quickly.
Further reading
For more information on youth safety and local community resources, visit the Pre-Teens section.
