Stacey Reddish was 16 when she left her family’s home in the Wagner Houses, East Harlem, on the evening of July 12, 1981, and was never seen again. She was described as a Black female, 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 110 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, a dark complexion, a small scar near her nose from childhood chickenpox, and a dimple under her chin.

Initial attempts by Stacey’s mother to report her missing were reportedly dismissed by police, who suggested Stacey had run away or was with a boyfriend. Years later Stacey’s sister Darlene reportedly encountered resistance as well; the family says no official missing person report was filed until November 20, 2023, more than 42 years after the disappearance. The New York City Police Department is now listed as the investigating agency and an age-progressed image showing Stacey at about 60 has been released to seek leads. Very few details exist about what happened after she walked out that summer evening.

If anyone remembers Stacey, saw her in East Harlem around July 1981, or has information about her whereabouts, please come forward to assist this long-unsolved case?