Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King has a message for the two high school girls who are missing: “They’re not in trouble. Their parents are very, very worried about them. They should contact someone immediately so we can reunite them.”
Speaking to the Marblehead Current Thursday afternoon, King said his officers are assisting Boston police in the search for the two METCO students, Janeiry Nicole Torres, 14, and Zaira Randall, 15, who have been missing since early Wednesday morning. The freshmen girls took the METCO bus to Marblehead Wednesday morning but did not enter the high school. Instead, they boarded an MBTA bus back to Government Center in Boston, King said.
The girls do not have their cell phones with them, which is hindering the search, King said. Normally, police would try to track the girls using their phones’ location services. They may be carrying laptops, however. “They’re not completely devoid of a device,” according to King.
Marblehead Detective Sean Brady spoke to the girls’ parents. “We’re trying to get information from the parents and figure out if there are locations we can be checking,” King said. “Are there spots in Marblehead and nearby that we can help with? We’re communicating with Boston to see what we can do on our end.”
King has also spoken with Marblehead Superintendent John Buckey.
“There’s obviously a lot of concern up at the high school,” King added. “They’re young girls.”
METCO Director Caja Johnson says both girls started the Marblehead METCO program in the seventh grade at Veterans Middle School.
“Our school counselors are available to all of our students at any time, especially during these tough times,” Johnson added.
MHS Principal Dan Bauer wrote in an email to the Current, “Our student assistance team met this morning to discuss supporting students and staff. This team is comprised of school counselors, adjustment counselors, school psychologists, school resource officer, METCO director and administration team. We reached out to the teachers of both students to provide support. Also, we reached out to all MHS staff to help support students and staff. Also, how students and staff can access assistance. Additionally, any information related to the students to be brought to the administration team.”
METCO Director Caja Johnson says both girls started the Marblehead METCO program in the seventh grade at Veterans Middle School.
“Our school counselors are available to all of our students at any time, especially during these tough times,” Johnson added.
King is hopeful the girls will be found soon. “There is nothing that is saying to me that they’ve left the Boston area. There’s nothing that says to me that it’s more than two young women that haven’t gone home yet. That is still very concerning. A 14- and 15-year-old not being home for a period of time is very traumatic in itself.”
Anyone who has information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Boston Police Department at 617-343-4275 or Marblehead Police Department at 781-631-1212.
This is a developing story. Stay with the Marblehead Current for new details.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.