The family of Layla Santanello, a 22-year-old woman from Kingsport, Tennessee, is deeply concerned for her well-being following her disappearance on June 27, 2023. Layla was last seen near the Americourt Hotel around 6-7 AM, wearing a white tank top, black leggings, and no shoes. She is described as 4’10” tall, weighing 115 lbs, with striking brown eyes and a bright smile.
The Ongoing Investigation
For less than 24 hours, detectives from the Kingsport Police Department (KPD) have been looking into Layla’s whereabouts. Despite a personal conversation with the family, where an offer was made to provide the most recent photos of Layla, the request was declined by KPD. The press release issued later that day included a photo of Layla that caused distress to her family. This image, which appears to be a screen grab from KPD body camera footage, shows Layla under the influence of substances. Although not officially confirmed, the family believes this photo was taken during a moment when Layla was struggling with substance use, a fact that was only recent in her life prior to her disappearance.
The Family’s Concerns
The photo shown in the press release has raised many questions for Layla’s family. The circumstances surrounding the photo, such as when and where it was taken, have not been answered by KPD despite repeated inquiries. The image shows Layla in cold weather, which, given the timing of her disappearance and the colder conditions of early spring, raises doubts about the accuracy of the timeline.
For Layla’s mother, this photo has become a painful reminder of her daughter’s struggles. “I look at this picture, and all I see is her angelic face and drug-addled eyes. It breaks my heart every time I see it,” she shared. “This photo is now part of my life, a constant reminder of the questions and the grief. Why the secrecy? Why choose a photo that KPD isn’t prepared to answer questions about? Was she an informant?”
Grief and Uncertainty
The family has been living in a constant state of grief and confusion. With no answers about the photo’s significance or whether it has any relation to her disappearance, the family is left with thousands of unanswered questions. “Living hell is where I live now. Grief is my baseline. Pain is all I can feel,” Layla’s mother expressed, describing the emotional toll that the uncertainty has had on her and her family.
The Search for Layla
Layla’s family continues to search for her and remains hopeful that someone can provide information leading to her location. An $8,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to Layla’s whereabouts. Donations for search efforts are still needed and can be made via a link in the family’s bio.
Description of Layla Santanello
- Age: 22
- Height: 4’10”
- Weight: 115 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Last seen: June 27, 2023, near the Americourt Hotel, Kingsport, TN, at around 6-7 AM. She was wearing a white tank top, black leggings, and no shoes.
How You Can Help
If you have any information regarding Layla’s whereabouts, please contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Kingsport Police Department.
Layla’s family continues to hold on to hope for her safe return and urges anyone with information to come forward.
Closing Line: This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and the family is determined to get the answers they desperately need.
The post Press Release: Disappearance of Layla Santanello – Investigation Ongoing first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
