Teen Left Home and Disappeared After Fight with Her Sister. She’s Still Missing 1 Year Later

It has been one year since a teenage girl disappeared in Maine following an argument with her sister, and authorities are still searching for her.

According to Maine State Police (MSP), Stefanie Damron—who was 13 at the time but will turn 15 next month—was last seen walking out of her home into the woods on West Road in New Sweden on Sept. 23, 2024. She was reported missing the following day.

Since then, police say they have carried out “extensive investigative and search efforts” with multiple agencies, including the FBI, according to a news release shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Investigators “have conducted dozens of interviews and followed up on leads in Maine, across the country, and in Canada, and that work continues.”

“Despite these efforts, Stefanie remains missing,” authorities said.

In an interview with the Bangor Daily News, Stefanie’s parents, Lisa and Christopher “Dale” Damron, explained that their daughter went into the woods that morning after a disagreement with her sister—a place she often went to be alone.

At the time, Lisa and Dale were not home, as they were in Presque Isle for a job interview.

“When we came home, no Stefanie,” Dale told the newspaper. “But we figured she’d just be a couple of hours.”

Dale said he initially believed they had to wait 24 hours before reporting a missing person. The family sent their dogs to search the area—a routine they followed when their kids stayed too long in the woods—but after 12 hours without any sign of Stefanie, they contacted authorities.

Now, a year later, Lisa told the newspaper, “We just want her to come home.” She added, “As long as I am breathing, I will never give up hope.”

In a detailed post marking the one-year anniversary, the FBI announced a reward of up to $15,000 for information about the case. The post noted that the Damron family owns over 20 acres in New Sweden and “have resided in a wooden yurt” without running water or indoor plumbing, though a generator provides some power.

“Her upbringing, from what we’ve concluded, has been very off the grid,” said FBI Boston Special Agent Jose Rodriguez Aguilar, noting that several Child Protective Services (CPS) reports had been filed regarding Stefanie and her siblings.

The FBI did not provide further details about the reports and told PEOPLE they had nothing more to add.

Stefanie’s father emphasized that “false claims” have been made about their living situation but were investigated and deemed unfounded, along with other allegations against the family.

“The FBI has spoken with us directly about these matters. We have been transparent, cooperative, and consistent,” he said.

A Maine State Police spokesperson confirmed the family has been cooperative and in contact with investigators from the start.

“We ask the public and media to focus on facts rather than speculation. Every rumor and false narrative diverts attention from finding Stefanie,” her father said. “Our family lives with her absence every day. We need the community’s energy directed toward finding her, not fueling stories already proven false.”

Addressing the search efforts, police said that over the past year, ground and air operations have covered more than 4,500 acres and involved K9 teams, horses, ground searchers, aircraft, drones, and computer modeling. A two-day intensive search in May included 65 law enforcement officers and search and rescue team members.

Authorities also noted that environmental challenges—dense tree cover and seasonal weather—have complicated the searches.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing and will continue until Stefanie is found.

“We recognize the profound impact Stefanie’s disappearance continues to have on her family, friends, and community. The Maine State Police remain committed to finding answers and will continue to actively investigate until Stefanie is located,” they wrote.