News Summary
Beaufort County officials are searching for three missing teenage girls. Despite concern, two of the girls have been located safe, but authorities are still seeking information on one. The local sheriff’s office emphasizes community vigilance in such cases, urging anyone with tips to reach out. Parents and community members express distress over the situation, highlighting the need for awareness regarding youth safety. The search for Magali Ortiz Ruiz continues as her last communication was a day prior to the initial reports.
Beaufort County authorities are actively searching for three missing teenage girls, as the local community expresses growing concern for their safety and well-being. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office initiated the search efforts following reports of the girls’ disappearances over the weekend and into Monday.
Magali Ortiz Ruiz, a 15-year-old from Hilton Head Island, was reported missing on Monday. She was last physically seen on Friday and was last in communication with someone on Sunday. Authorities describe Ruiz as being approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing about 110 pounds. Concern for her safety has been raised due to the time elapsed since she was last seen. Citizens with any information regarding Ruiz’s whereabouts are urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 843-524-2777.
Adrionna Byas, also 15 years old, went missing from her home on Lady’s Island after 10 p.m. on Friday night. She is believed to be traveling in a black sedan, potentially a Nissan Altima. Byas is described as 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 100 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was dressed in green Nike pants and a black Jordan hoodie. Those who may have seen her or have any relevant information should reach out to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Talana Chaplin, a 16-year-old girl, was last observed leaving her residence on St. Helena Island around midnight on Monday. Chaplin stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 90 pounds. Authorities are also asking for assistance from the public in locating her. Anyone who may know her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
On the positive side, both Byas and Chaplin have since been located safe, which brings some relief to their families and the community. However, Ruiz’s disappearance remains a concern, and the authorities are continuing their search efforts to ensure her safe return.
Background information reveals that missing person cases, particularly involving teenagers, can often lead to distress among families and local communities. Law enforcement agencies are mindful of the psychological impacts these situations can cause. Swift community involvement and the sharing of information are crucial elements in enhancing the chances of finding missing individuals. In this instance, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of public vigilance and assistance in the days following the girls’ disappearances.
The outcomes of these cases also serve as reminders of the ongoing need for community engagement and awareness regarding the safety of young individuals. Efforts to disseminate information about missing persons through social media, community boards, and local news outlets can greatly aid in bringing about the quick recovery of those who have gone missing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Search Continues for Missing Teenagers in South Carolina
Missing Richland County Teen Found Safe
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Searching Missing Teen Girl
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WJCL: Adrionna Byas Missing from Lady’s Island
- Google Search: Beaufort County missing teen
- Live 5 News: Searching for Missing 15-Year-Old Girl
- Google Scholar: Missing Teenager Cases
- Live 5 News: Missing 17-Year-Old Found Safe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Persons
- WJCL: Gabriella Brock Missing Teen
- Google News: Missing Teen Search Efforts
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
