We Remember You

The top photograph of Reachelle Smith was taken just a few days before she disappeared in May of this year.

Reachelle's life seems to have been one of limited stability. She was born three years ago to Samantha Smith, but was immediately turned over to the custodial care of Samantha's sister Stephanie Smith. Stephanie's live-in boyfriend, Leigh Cowen, claimed at times to be Reachelle's biological father, but DNA testing has proved otherwise.

Some time this May, Stephanie woke to find Reachelle missing. Leigh told his girlfriend not to worry because he had driven the child to his mother's home to spend a few days. Although Reachelle's essential asthma inhaler had been left behind, Stephanie made no contact with Leigh's mother.

Four or five days later, when both Leigh and the family van also disappeared, police were contacted. They found Leigh's body in the van at Upper Souris Wildlife Refuge. He had committed suicide.

Reachelle, however, remains missing.

Reachelle Marie Smith was born 10 September 2002.
She is about 3'6" and weighs about 40 pounds.
She has brown eyes and long brown hair.
She went missing from Minot, North Dakota.

Minot Police can be reached at 701-852-0111. The FBI is offering a reward for information about this case.

posted by d~  # 4:43 AM