Demiah Appling, a 14-year-old girl from Old Town, Florida, was reported missing on October 24, 2022, after her last confirmed sighting on October 16, 2022, around 9:30 p.m. in the Suwannee Gardens neighborhood. Authorities believe she left the area in a vehicle that night. Searches continued until her remains were found on December 5, 2022, in neighboring Gilchrist County. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Multiple agencies joined the inquiry, including the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Corrections, the District 8 Medical Examiner’s Office, and the State Attorney’s Office. Forensic evidence reportedly helped develop leads. On January 14, 2023, two people were arrested and charged in connection with the case: Waymore Gerhardt and Keith Anderson, each charged with premeditated murder, kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, tampering with evidence, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

The community in Old Town reacted strongly to Demiah’s disappearance and death. If anyone knew Demiah, saw her the night of October 16, 2022, or has information about her movements or the vehicle she may have left in, please come forward.