On the evening of July 16, 2024, 15-year-old Alison Chao set out from her dad’s house in Monterey Park, California, for a short bike ride to her aunt’s place in San Gabriel, which is less than four miles away. Unfortunately, Alison never made it, and weeks later, she remains missing despite ongoing searches by her family, friends, and local authorities.
Initial Confusion and Clues
Right from the start, it was unclear whether Alison had encountered trouble or if she had chosen to run away, although her family strongly believes she wouldn’t just leave without a reason. When she left, Alison was carrying a large backpack, telling her family she planned to study at her aunt’s house. However, no one knows what she had in the backpack. There’s also confusion about her cell phone; some reports say she didn’t have one, while others suggest she left it behind. What is clear is that she hasn’t contacted any friends, nor has there been any activity on her social media accounts, which is very unusual for a teenager.
A New Lead
For weeks, the police focused their search on the route between Alison’s home and her aunt’s house. But then, a Ring doorbell camera captured footage of Alison heading in the opposite direction. This new information broadened the search area significantly, meaning she could be anywhere in Los Angeles.
Family’s Growing Desperation
Alison’s mother, Annie Chao, expressed her deep fears in an interview, saying, “The more time that goes on, the scarier it gets. I’m afraid the public will lose interest, and it will be harder to find her. There’s less evidence. I haven’t slept in days, and it’s just every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Recent Sighting and Public Appeal
Alison was reportedly spotted on Collis Avenue in LA around 7:45 PM on July 16. Her family continues to urge the public to share her photo and, if local, to check their security cameras for any clues.
Speculations and Online Rumors
As is often the case in missing person situations, online rumors have spread. Some speculate that Alison might have been planning to meet an online friend or encountered someone dangerous. It’s important to note that these are just rumors, and the truth of her whereabouts remains unknown.
Adding to the complexity, some unconfirmed online chatter suggests that Alison’s mother had planned to admit her to a mental health treatment center, which Alison knew about and might have wanted to avoid. There are also unverified reports of family tension due to her parents’ recent divorce.
Police Request and Search Suspension
Recently, Alison’s family posted on social media that the Los Angeles police have asked them to pause their search while they investigate based on the information they’ve gathered so far. The details behind this request are not clear.
For now, Alison Chao remains missing. Let’s hope she is found safe and soon.
