NJ Police Join Search For Missing Nutley Teen; Cops Seek Tips

NUTLEY, NJ — State police in New Jersey have joined the search for a missing Nutley teen.

On Thursday evening, the New Jersey State Police announced that its Missing Persons and Human Trafficking Unit is searching for Derek Estrella, 16, of Nutley.

Estrella left Nutley High School at lunch time on Oct. 27 and never returned, Nutley police previously said.

"It appears he may be evading a change of foster care with the assistance of two family members," police said, sharing photos of the three (see below).

A family member shared Ring camera footage showing what he was wearing when he left: a black backpack, red Sketcher sneakers, a blue zip-up hoodie, and blue pants with a white stripe at the top (see photos below).

The New Jersey State Police gave an update on the situation Thursday:

“Derek was reported missing on Friday, October 27, after not returning from his lunch period at school. He was last seen on surveillance video at the New York Public Library located at 455 5th Avenue, New York, NY, on October 27 at 5:11 p.m. with his mom and her sister.”

His mother, Michele Durkin, was last seen wearing glasses, a black t-shirt, black or grey pants, and black sneakers. Her sister, Nicole Durkin, was seen wearing a white colored shirt, police added.

Authorities said anyone with information can contact the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons and Human Trafficking Unit at (609) 882-2000, ext. 2554, or the Nutley Police Department at (973) 284-4940.

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