Georgia teen missing after homecoming dress shopping, family fears online predator may have lured her away

Authorities are searching for Amy Reidling, a 14-year-old from Decatur, Georgia, who vanished hours after homecoming-dress shopping, raising fears she was lured away by someone she met online. DeKalb County Police Department said she was last seen at her home on Sunday afternoon. Her stepmother discovered she was missing when she returned from dinner and found the teen had vanished.

Her family says there was no warning before she disappeared and believes she may have connected with someone online who coached her on how to run away. They described a normal day up to her shopping with her stepmom for homecoming attire, and said Amy was excited about the upcoming event. She has since been silent on social media and her phone has repeatedly gone to voicemail, with little money in her possession, the family said.

DeKalb County Police have issued a missing person alert for Amy. The family has hired a private investigator to help locate her. Amy Reidling is described as 5 feet 1 inch tall and about 105 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair with bangs.

Authorities have provided limited information about the case and have not disclosed any suspects or evidence of foul play. The incident has prompted concerns about online outreach to minors in the Atlanta area. Amy lives in Georgia, and members of the community are urged to contact police if they have information that could assist investigators.

People with information are asked to contact DeKalb County Police Department’s missing persons unit or to call the department's tip line. The teen's family has publicly expressed their love and concern, asking Amy to stay safe and to reach out if she can.