Crime & Safety
One-Year Anniversary of Disappearance of Relisha Rudd
Relisha was last seen one year ago on March 1, 2014 in the 1600 block of Maryland Ave, NE.
DC officials marked the one-year anniversary this week of the disappearance of Relisha Rudd, 9. She was last seen on March 1, 2014 with Kahlil Tatum, a janitor at the homeless shelter where she lived with her mother and brothers. Tatum was later found dead of a presumed suicide.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, administration officials and partner agencies held a joint press conference at police headquarters to provide an update on the ongoing investigation. Relisha was last seen one year ago on March 1, 2014 in the 1600 block of Maryland Ave, NE.
“I am joined by the many residents around the District, to raise awareness about Relisha a year after her disappearance,” said Mayor Bowser, in a news release. “Our administration is reevaluating ways to strengthen public safety and our procedures and programming so that we respond efficiently and effectively to families–especially children who are at risk. Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Brenda Donald will work across agencies to ensure thoughtful recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.”
Find out what's happening in Georgetownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“We hope that this continued attention on the anniversary that Relisha was last seen, may prompt someone who may have information to come forward and contact us,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “I want to thank the numerous members of the community who have provided tips, assisted in searches and supported our efforts. This continues to be an open and active investigation. We remain hopeful that Relisha is alive somewhere.”
“Since the disappearance of Relisha, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (F.B.I.) has worked in close coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, leveraging our investigative resources and assets to assist in finding her,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the F.B.I.’s Washington Field Office. “While this case may have fallen from the headlines, we have not rested in searching for her, following every lead that has come into the office’s Child Exploitation Task Force. We will not stop until she is located.”
Find out what's happening in Georgetownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Bowser administration has joined a coordinated effort with law enforcement partners from Metro Transit Police, Amtrak Police and the Montgomery County Police Departments to distribute fliers and raise awareness throughout the community on the ongoing investigation.
The F.B.I. is offering a REWARD of up to $25,000 for information leading to the location and return of missing 9-year-old Relisha Rudd. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Relisha Rudd is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202.727.9099, Youth Investigations Division at 202.576.6768, or 911. Anonymous information may be forwarded to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
Read Patch’s earlier coverage:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.