Missing Conway Teen Wrote Letter to Mother

State and federal officials held a press conference on Dec. 6, to update the public on the case of Abigail Hernandez, of Conway, a 15-year-old girl who has been missing from North Conway since Oct. 9.

ALSO READ: Investigators: Missing NH Teen May Have These Items

According to officials, Zenya Hernandez, the girl’s mother, received a letter from her daughter on Nov. 6, that was mailed in late October.

Jane Young, associate Attorney General of New Hampshire, said that investigators haven’t discussed the letter because they wanted to ensure that it was legitimate contact and not fraudulent. She said that investigators also feared that phony copycat letters could be received by police.

Officials refused to discuss the contents of the letter, where it was postmarked, or any other information about the communication, just the date of the letter, when it was mailed, and received by the mother.

Young also asked the public to look around in their communities to see if a new family had moved into their neighborhoods with a girl who looks like Abigail Hernandez. She also urged the teen to reach out to her mother, aunt, or law enforcement agents to make sure that she was OK.

“We have grave concerns for Abby’s safety, based on everything you’ve heard here today, given her age, the fact that she has no financial means or support,” Young said.  

Conway Police Chief Edward Wagner said investigators, volunteers, and members of the had done “everything they possible can” to make sure that Abigail Hernandez returned home safely but wouldn’t classify the case as an abduction or runaway case, even though it was consistent with both.

Wagner said during the last few weeks, they’ve been able to put together “a public life … a private life of who Abby was or is, and who Abby’s family is. We’re taking nothing off the table.”

The letter, he said, had given investigators “hope,” but they now fear for her safety and worry that someone may be manipulating her. 

According to investigators, Hernandez was last seen leaving Kennett High School, walking towards her home. She made several text messages between 2:30 and 3 p.m. but never made it home.

Her parents have written letters to her online, asking her to let them know that she is OK. The FBI has offered a $20,000 reward for information about Hernandez. 

For more information about the case visit Bring Abby Home and Missing Help Find Abigail Hernandez.