Janiyah Mumford Missing Person Case

Jan 28, 2026

Jan 28, 2026

Janiyah

Mumford

14

14

Black / African American

Female

In the Campostella area of Norfolk, Virginia, a community felt a wave of concern for a young girl named Janiyah Mumford. The 12-year-old was last seen at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon on Monday, April 17, 2023. Her last known location was in the 1600 block of Oakfield Avenue, a detail that provided a starting point for those who would soon be searching for her. As hours turned into an evening of uncertainty, the Norfolk Police Department became involved, beginning an investigation into her disappearance and classifying her as a runaway. The initial moments of a young person going missing are filled with urgency, and for Janiyah's family and community, it was the start of a brief but anxious period of the unknown. In an effort to bring Janiyah home safely, authorities released her description to the public, hoping that community awareness could lead to her discovery. She was described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds. When she was last seen, Janiyah was wearing a distinctive lime green hooded sweatshirt and Nike Air Force One sneakers. This specific information was shared widely, painting a picture for residents in the area of the young girl they should be looking for. The Norfolk Police Department asked for the public's assistance, encouraging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward and contact the Norfolk Crime Line or call 911. The distress that began on a Monday afternoon found a fortunate and swift resolution. On the morning of Tuesday, April 18, 2023, the Norfolk Police Department announced the welcome news that Janiyah had been found and was safe. The update brought an end to the public appeal and eased the worries of those who had followed her story. The case of Janiyah Mumford was a short but serious incident that highlighted the importance of community vigilance when a child goes missing. It began with an urgent search for a 12-year-old girl who had disappeared from her neighborhood and concluded thankfully with her safe return the following day.

Dec 30, 2025

CHESAPEAKE

Virginia

06/28/2026