This Picture Could Crack A Missing Child Cold Case In DC

WASHINGTON, DC -- It has been four years since then-8-year-old Relisha Rudd went missing in Southeast D.C., but police haven't given up hope: on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police Department released a picture of what they believe now-12-year-old Relisha would look like today.

Relisha was last seen in the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue SE on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The incident wasn't reported until 18 days later.

Theories have abounded on her disappearance. Police think she may have been kidnapped by a janitor who worked at the D.C. General homeless shelter, which is where Relisha had been living with her family. A surveillance video captured her with the janitor, Khalil Tatum, who killed his wife and himself not long after.

Her disappearance did result in some good: it drew attention to poor conditions at the homeless shelter, prompting D.C. officials to take steps to build better homeless shelters.

But there is still no information yet on where Relisha could be. No body has been found, and she hasn't turned up yet, so police are releasing this image in the hopes that she is still alive and that someone will recognize her.

"Relisha Rudd is described as a Black female, with a medium brown complexion, 4’0” in height, 70-80 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair," police said in a statement. "She was 8 years old at the time of her disappearance. She can be seen in the photos below which show her at 8 years old as well as an age progression photo which shows what she may look like today."

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Relisha Rudd is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. You may also contact the Youth and Family Services Division at 202-576-6768 or 911.

Image via MPDC