KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffPolice search for missing Illinois teen

Police search for missing Illinois teen

By Julia Bruck - bio | email

BENTON, IL (KFVS) - Police are searching for a missing Benton, Illinois high school student.

Police say after more than 24 hours, there are still no leads as to Corrisa Gardner whereabouts which has her mother and family worried.

"I don't know where she's at.  I'm scared," Susan Gardner, Corrisa's mom said. 

Gardner's concern is for teenage daughter Corrisa, whom she has not seen since Wednesday morning.

"I didn't know she was missing until I went to pick her up from school.  And I have heard nothing from her," Gardner said.

Authorities say Corrisa was last seen at Benton High School Wednesday around 8:15 a.m.  Gardner says Corrisa did not take her phone to school since it is not allow inside the building.

"She says I'm going to school mom, you go to school.  I mean we talk.  There was no fight," Gardner said.

Gardner says her 16 year old is a good student and did not take any extra clothes or money to school that day.

"She's a homebody.  She cooks," Gardner added.

Gardner says they moved to the Benton area last year, after Hurricane Ike destroyed their home in Texas.  Since then Gardner says Corrisa has not developed a social network.

"She doesn't have any friends here," Gardner said.

Benton Police Chief Mike O'Neill says they have not found anyone who may have known Corrisa's plans.  O'Neill adds since Corrisa has no history as a runaway, nor with his department the situation is concerning.

"They told me it's not like Benton, usually the kids are home in three or four hours," Gardner said.

However, for Corrisa hours have now become days, which leaves a mother worried when she may see her daughter's smile again.

"I want to hear her voice.  She's my baby girl," Gardner said.

Corrisa Gardner is described as a white female, 5'7" tall, about 140 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.  She was last seen wearing faded blue jeans, a purple shirt, and white hoodie sweatshirt. 

If have any information as to her whereabouts you are asked to call the Benton Police Department at 618-435-8131 or 618-439-4505 ext 203.

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