UPDATE: 14-Year-Old Layla Sue Spandau-Nelson Found Safe After Going Missing in Rochester
The Rochester Police Department (RPD) has confirmed that 14-year-old Layla Sue Spandau-Nelson, who was reported missing earlier today, has been found safe. The news, shared in a 4:14 p.m. update, brought relief to family, friends, and the broader community who had been anxiously following the case.
In a brief but heartfelt message posted on social media, RPD thanked the public for their assistance in locating the teenager. “We are pleased to report that Layla has been located and is safe,” the department wrote. “Thank you to everyone who shared information, remained vigilant, and supported the effort to bring her home.”
Earlier in the day, the RPD had issued a public alert via Facebook seeking help in locating Layla. According to that post, Layla had last been seen in northwest Rochester. She is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 105 pounds, with hazel eyes, brown hair, and braces. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a light gray hoodie, pink pajama pants, white sneakers with pink accents, and carrying a gray and black backpack.
The department also provided a contact number for anyone with information—(507) 328-6800—and asked community members to call 911 if they had any immediate updates. The alert prompted a swift and compassionate response from the public. Posts were shared widely across local social media channels, and many community members offered support and assistance in spreading awareness.
Layla’s disappearance sparked widespread concern, particularly due to her age and the circumstances under which she went missing. Family members and friends described her as kind, intelligent, and deeply loved. Many feared for her safety and hoped that the attention generated by the alert would lead to a quick resolution—and thankfully, it did.
Details surrounding the circumstances of her disappearance and recovery have not yet been made public. The Rochester Police Department has not disclosed where Layla was found or whether any other individuals were involved. As the investigation concludes, it’s likely that additional information will be provided in the coming days.
For now, the focus remains on Layla’s safe return and allowing her family space to process the day’s events. Community members expressed overwhelming relief upon hearing the news. “We are so grateful she’s safe,” one local resident commented on the police department’s Facebook post. “Sending love to her and her family.”
This case serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly coordinated community efforts can make a difference. It also highlights the importance of timely public alerts and law enforcement transparency in missing persons cases.
RPD reiterated its appreciation for the community’s assistance, stating, “Your efforts helped bring a young girl back to safety. Thank you for being our eyes and ears.”
If you or someone you know ever faces a similar situation, authorities urge you to act quickly by contacting local law enforcement and providing as much detailed information as possible. In missing persons cases, time is of the essence and in Layla’s case, it was a community united that helped bring her home.
