Family seeks information on teen's location
By RYAN CHRISTNER
The Friday disappearance of a 14-year-old from Larned is being treated as a runaway case by police, and the family of the girl remains anxious as they await any news of her well-being.
Judy Smith, mother of the missing Lakyn Smith, an eighth-grader in Larned, said her daughter had developed a very secretive personality and is believed to be traveling with Russell Eugene Rice, a 20-year-old man Lakyn had been dating since at least Valentine's Day, although Smith admitted she did not know how or when the two might actually have met.
Neither Smith nor her son Warren, who lives in Hays, has had any contact with Lakyn or Rice since the disappearance; however Smith said her other daughter has since received a text-message from Lakyn that said "I'm fine, leave me alone."
Through the grapevine, Smith said she also heard that Lakyn told a friend she would be out of the state by Friday.
Leaving little physical proof of her disappearance, Smith said her daughter left money, her laptop, medication for Lakyn's bipolar disorder and most, if not all, of her clothes.
According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, Rice is currently under supervision by the 24th Judicial District Community Corrections for a burglary conviction in Edwards County in December.
Although Smith said she had forbid that her daughter see Rice, and even was granted a restraining order against him, she does not believe Lakyn was taken against her will.
Larned Police Chief Charles Orth confirmed his department is investigating a report of a runaway teenager, but said he could not comment on specifics as the case involves a minor.
"We're doing everything we can to locate that person," said Orth, who added there was no evidence of foul play.
The Larned police are following several leads and are so far keeping all information within the department, but Worth said details might be released later if the trail goes cold.
For her part, Smith has attempted to spread the news of Lakyn's disappearance, using the Internet social networking site Facebook to post information, including photos and descriptions of Lakyn and Rice.
Trying to keep her voice steady, Smith said the ordeal has been incredibly difficult to handle.
"If I didn't have a really strong blanket of prayer, I don't know that I'd be holding up at all," Smith said. "I just want her home."
Those with information relating to the case should contact the Larned Police Department at (620) 285-8545.