Marlaina Reed was 17 when her body was discovered in a north side Chicago alley on January 21, 2007. She had been beaten, stuffed into a cardboard box, and discarded among trash. Marlaina had been reported missing since May 2006 and was a ward of the state living in a group home at the time she ran away. She had a history of running away from the group home since age 14, and that instability complicated search efforts.

Her remains went unidentified for months. After she turned 18 her case was removed from the NCMEC database and other missing persons systems, which contributed to delays in identification. Forensic facial reconstruction by a forensic artist and assistance from a dental publication ultimately led the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office to identify her several months after her death. The case highlights gaps that can affect juveniles who age out of systems and the risks faced by vulnerable young people without stable support.

If anyone knew Marlaina, her whereabouts after May 2006, or has information about what happened, please come forward.