Screenshot
Local law enforcement and the community are urgently searching for 14-year-old Laceigh Denise Gatson after she was reported missing from the Virginia Beach area earlier this week, Officials are appealing to the public for any information that might help locate the teenage girl, whose sudden disappearance has left family, friends and neighbors deeply concerned for her safety.
According to the Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse data, Laceigh was last seen on January 7, 2026, in Virginia Beach. Authorities describe her as having a nose piercing and wearing black-framed glasses, and she has been entered into state and national missing person databases as the search intensifies.
Laceigh’s family became alarmed when she did not return home or make contact after her last known sighting, prompting them to file a missing person report with the Virginia Beach Police Department.
From that moment, law enforcement initiated investigative procedures that now include canvassing the area where she was last seen, reviewing any available surveillance footage and contacting acquaintances who may have interacted with her prior to her disappearance.
In cases involving missing juveniles, police emphasize that time is critical and that even seemingly small details can prove vital. Officers are urging residents and commuters in the Virginia Beach and broader Hampton Roads area to check personal and business surveillance systems, doorbell cameras, and vehicle dashcams for any sign of Laceigh or suspicious activity coinciding with her disappearance.
“We are doing everything we can to find Laceigh and bring her home safely,” said a spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Police Department. “This is a community effort, and we encourage anyone with information even if it seems insignificant to contact law enforcement immediately.”
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying visibility for missing persons cases in recent years, and Laceigh’s case is no exception.
Hundreds of posts have circulated on local community pages, sharing her description and urging residents to be on the lookout. Neighbors have also organized volunteer search efforts, distributing flyers and coordinating with local organizations to expand the reach of alerts.
Despite the swift response, officials have not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding Laceigh’s disappearance, such as whether foul play is suspected or if she may have left of her own accord. However, the police stress that any missing child case warrants urgent attention until the individual is located and their well-being confirmed.
In missing person investigations such as this, resources like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and state clearinghouses play a crucial role in coordinating information and disseminating alerts to the public and law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions. These systems help ensure that descriptions and updates about Laceigh are quickly shared with a wide network of partners and the public.
Community leaders have also voiced support, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, empathy and collective action as the search continues. “No family should have to live with this kind of uncertainty,” said one local resident. “We’re praying for Laceigh’s safe return and will do whatever it takes to help find her.”
Anyone who believes they have seen Laceigh or has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Virginia Beach Police Department immediately at their non-emergency line or the dedicated missing persons unit. In urgent situations, residents are encouraged to dial 911 without delay.
As the search for Laceigh enters its next critical days, authorities and the community remain hopeful that increased awareness and cooperation will lead to her safe and swift recovery.
About the Author
