Police Call For Public’s Help To Find Missing Hempstead Teen

A 14-year-old girl was reported missing from her home in Hempstead Thursday. Friday, police have enlisted the public's help to find her.

By Tom Gambardella, Patch Staff

Jul 31, 2026 9:34 AM EDT

14-year-old Shanda Watkins (Nassau County Police Department)

HEMPSTEAD, NY — The search is on for a missing 14-year-old after she was last seen leaving her Hempstead home Thursday, police said.

Nassau County police said 14-year-old Shanda Watkins was last seen leaving her Hempstead home at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, with a possible destination in Queens.

Police described Watkins as a Black girl standing 5-feet, 5-inches, weighing 110 lbs. With blonde hair and brown eyes.

Police have requested that anyone with information on Watkins' whereabouts contact the missing persons squad at 516-573-7347 or call 911.

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