Relisha Tenau Rudd was 8 years old when she disappeared from Washington, D.C. Her family was living in a homeless shelter at the time, and people close to the case have described how easily a child can be overlooked when families are juggling instability, scarce resources, and day-to-day survival.
According to law enforcement, Relisha was last seen on March 1, 2014, in the District. The Metropolitan Police Department has said she was last seen in the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue, SE, and that the missing-person report was made on March 19, 2014—after concerns were raised about her prolonged absence.
Investigators came to believe she was with Kahlil Malik Tatum, a man connected to the shelter where her family stayed. Authorities say he posed as a “doctor” in communications tied to Relisha’s school absences, and surveillance footage captured Relisha with him at a D.C. hotel around the time she vanished—imagery that has haunted her loved ones and the wider community for years.
As the search intensified, the case took a devastating turn: Tatum became the subject of an arrest warrant tied to the killing of his wife, Andrea Denise Tatum, who was found dead in a Maryland motel. The Metropolitan Police Department later confirmed that Kahlil Tatum was found deceased near Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in Northeast Washington, D.C., leaving investigators without the chance to question him further about Relisha’s disappearance.
Relisha has not been found. The FBI continues to seek information about her location and offers a reward for information leading to her recovery, while emphasizing that the search continues. The Metropolitan Police Department has also stated that the case remains open and that detectives continue to solicit tips from the public.
Over the years, her disappearance has become a lasting wound for her family and for many in Washington, D.C., especially those who work with children and families facing homelessness. Community members and advocates continue to gather to honor Relisha and keep attention on her case, holding onto the hope that someone, somewhere, will share the information needed to bring answers and accountability.
Last Seen: Mar 01, 2014
