Mateece Barela, 14, disappeared from Los Lunas, New Mexico, on February 4, 2026. She reportedly attended school that day and was believed to be heading home; there were no immediate signs of foul play and no indication she had planned to run away. Her family alerted the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, which filed a missing person report and began investigating.

Investigators interviewed friends, classmates and teachers to establish Mateece’s last known movements. Public releases described her and the clothing she was believed to be wearing that day, and community-led searches, flyers and social media campaigns circulated in Los Lunas and nearby towns. Initial days of the investigation produced few significant leads, and Mateece’s family remains without answers.

If anyone in Los Lunas or the surrounding area saw Mateece on or after February 4, 2026, or has information about her last movements, please contact the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.