Family presses for answers in case of missing Coral Springs teen Skylee Merino
Advocates are calling for Coral Springs residents to attend Wednesday night’s City Commission meeting to voice support for Skylee Merino, 15, who has been missing for over two weeks.
“She told others she wanted to leave and come home — and has not been heard from since,” the event posting says. “We are asking the community to show up and stand together to ensure this situation receives the attention it deserves.”
The action was organized by MaryAnne Marinas, Merino’s mother, and Michelle Simmons, who are asking those concerned about her case to arrive at Commission Chambers before 6:30 p.m. on May 6, when elected officials will begin their scheduled session.
What happened to Skylee Merino?
Merino was reported missing by family members on April 21, following a meetup with an individual from Snapchat.
Shy Perry, Merino’s sister, said that a friend driving a white Ford Raptor dropped off Merino at Tamarac’s Cypress Commons Plaza at around 8:30 a.m., where she was supposed to meet a teen or young man that she had been speaking with on Snapchat.
About an hour later, Perry said, Merino asked her friend to pick her up, but the friend was unable to do so because they were at school. Her sister said this is what makes her believe Merino may be in danger.
Merino hasn’t responded to messages since, her sister said. Her last known social media activity was at 4 p.m. on April 21.
In the days following Merino’s disappearance, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and other organizations have shared her story in response to the family’s concerns.
Merino’s story has since made national news, with support coming from as far as the U.K. and Colombia, Perry told the Coral Springs News last week.
The Coral Springs Police Department classified her as a runaway but has assigned a detective to the case. Officials say they do not have reason to believe the 15-year-old is at risk of harm.
Marinas, Merino’s mother, has expressed deep anguish at what she sees as a lack of effort and communication from police.
Merino is 5 feet, 4 inches tall with dark hair and dark eyes, and weighs between 110 and 120 pounds, according to family and police. She has braces and was last seen wearing a black tank top and leggings, a black shark backpack and Jordan 4 sneakers.
Investigators said they are working to identify the individual from Snapchat and are asking anyone with information to call Detective Daniel Powers at 954-346-1223 or email dpowers@coralsprings.gov.
Those interested in attending the City Commission meeting can park at the city’s garage for free and proceed through City Hall to Commission Chambers.
