Zayla Christmas Missing Person Case

Jan 28, 2026

Jan 28, 2026

Zayla

Christmas

19

17

Black / African American

Female

In a story marked by repeated disappearances and family turmoil, the search for Zayla Christmas began in the spring of 2022. On May 20 of that year, the 13-year-old girl was reported missing from Albemarle County, Virginia. At the time, she was described as being 4'11" and weighing 113 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black shirt, black joggers, and black and red Nike high-top sneakers. For over two weeks, her whereabouts were unknown. Then, on June 7, 2022, the Albemarle County Police Department announced that Zayla had been located. While details were not publicly released, there was a sense of relief in the community that the young teen was no longer considered missing. The relief, however, was short-lived. Just over a month later, on July 21, 2022, Zayla, now weighing 115 pounds, disappeared again, this time with her 11-year-old sister, Beautiful Christmas. The sisters vanished from their home in Albemarle County during the early morning hours, prompting another search. In a concerning turn of events, the Albemarle County Police Department announced on August 8 that they were reclassifying the sisters' case as a runaway situation. This decision was based on information from an out-of-state family member who claimed to know the girls' location and that they were safe. This classification was met with frustration from other family members who reported they had no contact with the girls and feared for their safety. Allegations of verbal and emotional abuse within the home surfaced, with the girls' biological mother stating she was protecting her children. This complex family situation cast a shadow over the investigation. A cousin of the girls' guardian publicly questioned the police department's handling of the case, pointing out that Zayla needed medication and expressing concern that the girls could be in danger. Despite the police department's statement in October 2022 that they had verified the sisters were safe and were actively investigating, the family's pleas for more transparency continued. The case took another turn when on January 18, 2024, Zayla Akyleen Christmas, now a teenager, was once again reported missing from Albemarle, Virginia. This time, her case was classified as an "endangered missing" person. Her description included black hair, often styled in cornrows, brown eyes, a scar under her chin, a height of 4'11", and a weight of 161 pounds. The overview of this case reveals a troubling pattern of a young girl repeatedly going missing amidst a backdrop of family conflict and differing accounts of her well-being, leaving her community and loved ones with unanswered questions and continued concern for her safety.

Jan 18, 2024

ALBEMARLE

Virginia

07/22/2026