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UPDATE: Both girls have been located and returned safely to their homes as of June 9.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating two missing juveniles, Malanda Aniyia Smith, 16, and Karie Gracie, 15. Malanda has not been seen by her mother since June 6 at about 8:00 p.m. when she left her home in Chocowinity.  Smith and Gracie are believed to be together. Smith was last seen wearing a pink coat and black leggings and is described as being 5”-2” tall and weighing about 120 pounds and has blue hair as pictured. Gracie is described as 4”-11” tall and weighing about 90 pounds. If you know the whereabouts of Malanda Smith or Karie Gracie, you are asked to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.  

Investigators learned Tuesday Karie Gracie contacted her family via phone and told them she was fine and that she knew law enforcement was looking for her and Smith, but they were not ready to come home yet.  

Wednesday, the parents of Malanda Smith reported to the Sheriff’s Office they have received text messages from an unknown person attempting to extort money from them for information on the whereabouts of their daughter.  When the parents attempted further conversation with the unknown subject, they received no response.  Investigators are now looking into the person responsible for this act of cruelty towards the Smith’s at a time when they are already concerned for their daughter’s safety.  

Investigators firmly believe that someone within the girls’ inner circle of friends knows their whereabouts and are pleading with the public to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at 252-946-7111 or anonymously contact Beaufort County Crime Stoppers 252-974-6400 and help bring Malanda Smith and Karie Gracie home.