Missing 15-year-old girl last seen at Stonewood Center

DOWNEY — The family of a 15-year-old teenage girl is pleading for the girl’s return after she went missing while shopping at a Downey mall.

Aleena Garcia was last seen Dec. 26 at Stonewood Center, where she had gone shopping with her mother and grandmother.

Authorities said Aleena was visibly upset after a phone call and walked out of sight.

It’s believed that Aleena exited the mall and walked out of sight.

Aleena’s mom, Laren Turner, said her daughter has never gone missing before and called her disappearance out of character.

“I need her home and to know that she is safe,” Turner said in a statement provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “I love her so much and will not stop looking until she is brought home to me.”

Aleena is described as 5 ft. 4 inches tall and weighing 160 lbs. She has brown eyes and black hair.

She has a crown tattoo over her right eyebrow and the word “junior” on her left hand. She also wears dental braces.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s Century Station at (323) 568-4918 and ask for Detective Fisk.

Tips can be provided anonymously by calling (800) 222-8477.