West Plains, Missouri – The community of West Plains is in distress after the disappearance of Abigail "Abby" Lawless, a young woman who has been missing since Friday night or early Saturday morning. Abby, who is on the autism spectrum and is high-functioning, was last known to have logged into her email at 1 AM on Saturday. She was reportedly picked up from her home by someone she met online several years ago, leading her family to believe she may now be in Virginia.
Her family suspects that Abby had planned to move to Virginia to live with a friend after she turned 18, a plan she mentioned to a classmate. However, the family’s concerns have grown as Abby has meticulously covered her tracks, making it difficult for them to trace her whereabouts. This has led to fears that she may have been coached in her disappearance.
Abby is legally blind without her glasses, has a history of depression, and carries other distinguishing physical traits, including a scar on her right upper rib cage from a surgery at birth, and faded pink in her brown hair, which she may have cut to a pixie style. She also has a newly pierced nose, which was developing a bump, and pierced ears, although she no longer wears earrings.
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office is leading the search for Abby, and her family is pleading for anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly urging people in Virginia, Kansas City, and local areas to share any sightings or tips that could lead to Abby’s safe return.
The community has rallied around the family, with many sharing the news on social media. Doris Gilson Newton, Christy Dalton, Debbie Murray Pasley, and others have expressed their support by sharing the missing person notice and offering prayers for Abby’s safe return. Crystal Kellogg wrote, "I hope your baby gets home safe!!! Love and many hugs to you all!!!" Meanwhile, Gianna Bourland asked for more information on Abby’s online gaming accounts, suggesting that tracing them might help locate her.
The situation remains urgent as Abby is underage in Missouri and is believed to be with someone over 18, likely a male. Her gaming alias "Evie" on platforms like Minecraft, Xbox, and Discord is also a critical detail that could help in locating her.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Howell County Sheriff’s Office at 417-256-2544 and ask for Officer 246. The family’s plea is simple but desperate: "Please, please share all over Virginia and surrounding areas, as well as the Kansas City area and locally." The community continues to hope for Abby’s safe return.