Teen Reported Missing in Laramie Found Safe, Police Appeal Updated

Laramie Police posted a public appeal after receiving a report on December 9 that 15 year old McKinsey Phelps was missing. The original alert included physical descriptions and details about what she was wearing, and directed anyone with information to contact Laramie Police dispatch or the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation using the numbers listed in the advisory. Authorities updated the item to report that Phelps has been found and is safe.

The quick update ending the immediate public safety concern does not remove broader questions about recurring runaway incidents involving the same youth. Records cited in the initial report note prior runaways by Phelps, a pattern that places pressure on schools, social services, juvenile justice authorities and law enforcement to coordinate responses that balance safety with support for underlying needs.

For residents, the episode highlights the role of civic cooperation in missing person responses. Timely tips from the public can shorten search times and reduce harm. Laramie Police and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation rely on clear, actionable information from neighbors, friends and service providers. Anyone with concerns about a missing person should use the contact information provided by law enforcement or call emergency services in urgent situations.

At the institutional level the incident points to policy implications for county and municipal leaders. Repeat runaway cases often reflect gaps in housing stability, mental health care access, school based intervention and family services. Albany County officials and Laramie municipal leaders may need to review how agencies share information, how outreach is conducted for at risk youth and whether additional resources are required for preventative programs.

The resolved case of McKinsey Phelps will bring relief to the immediate community, but it also serves as a reminder that public safety outcomes depend on both responsive policing and sustained investment in services that address the root causes of youth instability. Community members with relevant information were asked to contact the channels listed in the original police advisory.