Missing Utah Teen Miraculously Found Safe After Six Weeks Across State Lines
After six agonizing weeks of uncertainty, 15-year-old Alisa Petrov from South Jordan, Utah, has been found alive and safe—over 500 miles away from home. On June 5, Alisa stunned authorities by walking into a police station in Colorado Springs, ending a mystery that had gripped her community and sparked a nationwide search.
Alisa vanished on April 21 after leaving her school. A chilling message later discovered on her iPad read: “I’M RUNNING AWAY. Please don’t contact me,” sent to 41-year-old Samuel Teancum Mitchell. Investigators uncovered that their online conversations had taken a disturbing turn, leading to Mitchell’s arrest. He now faces serious charges, including sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor.
Two other men—William Taylor Glines and Matthew Nicholas Menard—were also arrested in connection with Alisa’s disappearance, as authorities continue to investigate how she ended up so far from home and whether she was manipulated or held against her will during that time.
Throughout the ordeal, Alisa’s family remained hopeful, offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to her return. Thankfully, Alisa is now safe, reportedly in good health, and receiving the care and support she needs.
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement determined to uncover the full scope of the events that led to her disappearance.
