Missing Child: Reachelle Marie Smith

Via forwarded email, details of the case of 3-year-old Reachelle Marie Smith, who was reported missing in Minot, North Dakota as of May 2006

Description: Email flier
Circulating since: May 2006
Status: True (Although the Amber Alert is no longer active)

Email example contributed by Steadmans, 7 June 2006:

Subject: FW: Fw: Amber Alert! A friend in TX sent this- please pass along. AMBER ALERT!!!!! I need everyones help!!!! Please repost this ASAP. This is the daughter of a very close personal friend. Her worst nightmare came true as a parent. Her little girl was abducted by what they thought was a family friend. We need to get the word around so we can get this sweet little girl back to her family. Follow the instructions at the bottom to repost this message please!! Larry Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge BEFORE YOU SKIP THIS, LOOK AT THE KID. DO IT AGAIN. NOW TRY TO REPOST. IT TAKES 10 SECONDS. PEOPLE ARE MISSING HER AND SHE WANTS TO BE HOME. DO SOMETHING GOOD. If you were to see her, or had any information, you would contact the Minot Police Department at (701)852-0111.

Analysis: True. Three-year-old Reachelle Marie Smith of Minot, North Dakota has been missing "under suspicious circumstances" since May 16, 2006. Her suspected abductor, 22-year-old Leigh Cowen, was found dead in a stolen van in the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge not long after the girl was reported missing. It is believed he committed suicide.

An Amber Alert was issued at the time Reachelle Smith went missing, but enough time has elapsed that it's no longer active.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Minot Police Department at 701-852-0111.

Sources and further reading:

Search for Missing Minot Girl Continues
Associated Press, 24 May 2006

Keeping the Smith Case Alive
Minot Daily News, 30 August 2006

Missing: Reachelle Smith
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Last updated: 09/20/09

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