Karlie Lain Gusé was 16 and living in Chalfant Valley, California, when she went missing the morning of October 13, 2018. The night before she had been at a party where she smoked marijuana and later experienced paranoia and severe anxiety; her stepmother Melissa picked her up after Karlie called in a panicked state. Back at home Karlie remained disoriented and fearful, telling family she thought the car or people were going to harm her. She was last seen by her stepmother about 5:45 a.m., but by 7:15 a.m. she was gone. Karlie left behind her phone, eyeglasses, cash and other personal items. Witnesses later reported seeing her walking near Highway 6, and searches of the desert and highway have so far produced no solid leads.

Investigators have not found evidence of foul play; theories about her disappearance include wandering into the desert, abduction, and a possible overdose. An age‑progression image has been released and the case has received media attention, but Karlie remains missing. If anyone saw Karlie in October 2018 or has information about her movements near Highway 6, please come forward.