Concern grew in the fall of 2025 when 16-year-old Nay’leiah Spencer Cradock was reported missing from Wakefield, Massachusetts and the Wakefield Police Department asked the public for help locating her. Described as a Black female, 5 feet tall, 100–115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, she was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black hoodie, and brown boots. Authorities said she had ties to Malden, Somerville, and Boston but did not specify the exact date or location she was last seen.

This was at least the second time Nay’leiah’s family faced her absence. In July 2023, when she was 14, she was reported missing from Malden. Her phone had been left behind, prompting extra concern; surveillance video last showed her walking quickly along Ferry Street. After a six-day search in 2023 she was found safe and returned to her family.

Anyone with information about Nay’leiah’s whereabouts in the Wakefield area or the communities mentioned is asked to come forward.