In the early autumn of 2023, a 57-year-old woman named Alencia Smith was going about her life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the time, she was described as a Black / African American female, standing between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing around 210 pounds. She had brown eyes and her gray or partially gray hair was often styled in a short ponytail. At some point in September of that year, all communication between Alencia and her family ceased. The exact date of their last contact is not publicly known, which created a period of uncertainty before the official missing person report was filed. It wasn’t until December 19, 2023, that the Philadelphia Police Department was formally alerted to her disappearance.
The circumstances surrounding Alencia's disappearance remain largely unknown to the public. Details about what she was wearing at the time she was last seen, her state of mind, or her last known activities have not been released.
This lack of information has presented significant challenges for investigators trying to piece together a timeline of her movements. Her family, thrust into a situation of profound worry and uncertainty, has been waiting for any news or leads that might help bring her home. The extended period without any contact is a source of deep concern for all who know and love her.
The Philadelphia Police Department's Northeast Detectives are leading the investigation into Alencia Smith's case. In an effort to be prepared for any eventuality, a DNA sample was collected from her brother and submitted to the City of Philadelphia Office of Forensic Science. This is a standard and crucial step in missing persons investigations, as it allows for comparison if any unidentified individuals are found. Her case has also been entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System a national database that helps to connect missing persons cases across the country. The case serves as a somber reminder of the many individuals who go missing each year, leaving behind families searching for answers and a community hoping for a safe return. The investigation remains open, and authorities continue to seek any information that could lead to her whereabouts.Last Seen: Sep 1, 2023
