Authorities in Milwaukee are searching for 13-year-old Jamyla Norwood, who vanished Monday afternoon after a terrifying phone call and disturbing text messages led her mother to fear for her life.
Jamyla was last heard from around 3:26 p.m. on July 28, according to the Milwaukee Police Department, which has labeled her a “critically missing person” — a designation used when someone is believed to be in immediate danger.
According to local outlets WTMJ and Fox 6 WITI, Jamyla’s mother was speaking with her daughter on the phone when she heard another female voice threatening violence, saying she would “beat Jamyla and push her down the stairs.” Moments later, the call abruptly disconnected.
Soon after, the mother began receiving text messages from an unknown number claiming that Jamyla was dead.
“The Milwaukee Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a critical missing person, Jamyla NORWOOD,” police said in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
She was last known to be in the area of N. 24th St. and W. Burleigh St. in Milwaukee.
Jamyla is described as Black, 5’3” tall, approximately 120 pounds, and was last seen wearing a pink bonnet, black T-shirt, blue jeans, and yellow and black shoes. Police said she did not have any money or means of transportation, and is likely on foot.
Jamyla’s mother believes her daughter is in serious danger, according to Fox 6, and this isn’t the first time the teen has gone missing — she previously disappeared in October 2024, but was found safe.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Milwaukee Police District 5 at 414-935-7252.
As the investigation intensifies, authorities and family members are asking for the public’s help in bringing Jamyla home safely.
