Search for missing Richland County teenager who hasn’t been seen in weeks
A search is underway for a missing Midlands teenager.
Mekayla Martin was publicly reported missing by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday. The 17-year-old has not been seen for weeks, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.
Martin was last seen Dec. 30, 2024 off Mallet Hill Road, according to the release. That’s in the area of Columbia between Interstate 20 and Two Notch Road.
There was no word if Martin was considered a runaway, or if she was alone when she was last seen. The sheriff’s department did not say if foul play was suspected in Martin’s disappearance.
The sheriff’s department said Martin has tattoos on her neck (“Princess”), chest (“Brittney”) and on both forearms. The tattoo on one forearm is the word “W.A.Y.S.” and there is a tattoo of an unknown date on the other forearm, according to the release.
When she was last seen, Martin was wearing a black-colored wig, but she’s known to change her hair color, the sheriff’s department said.
Anyone who has seen Martin, or has information about her, is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 803-576-3000, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
Always call 911 in the case of an emergency.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM with the headline "Search for missing Richland County teenager who hasn’t been seen in weeks."
