Alena “Grace” Mitchem left a note referencing that she was going to be picked up by an unidentified woman, her parents said.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 15-year-old Alena "Grace" Mitchem, who left her family's Spring Valley home the morning of Sept. 22.
Shannon Hoffman, Mitchem's mother, said her daughter left sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. last Thursday.
Hoffman described her daughter as a homebody, an avid gamer, and someone who wouldn't regularly spend time with friends outside of school.
"She's a very shy, timid girl, she wouldn't just take off," her parents said.
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Sheriff's Department detective Marcos Collins said Mitchem took several personal belongings with her and left a note saying she was running away.
Hoffman said those personal belongings include her cell phone and laptop, as well as her PlayStation console, something she believes may have more clues to where her daughter may be.
"I'm convinced someone lured her out and made her feel comfortable," Hoffman said.
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Mitchem also left home with her birth certificate and social security card, something Hoffman fears may have been a suggestion by someone older that her daughter met in an online gaming community.
"I fully believe someone has convinced her to take those items, someone who was older, someone she befriended and instructed her to take all these items," her parents added.
Hoffman said her daughter, one of five siblings, has spent more time on her PlayStation over the past month and has not wanted to go out to spend time with family.
When Hoffman discovered her daughter was missing, she located a goodbye note that referenced she was going to be picked up by an unidentified woman.
Hoffman described her daughter as a teen who was not in trouble, doing well in school and was excited about getting her learner's permit.
Hoffman also said Mitchem wanted to "get a job to help us out at home," but was told that wasn't needed and to focus on her school work.
Mitchem is about 5' 4" tall and weighs roughly 160 pounds, has faded green hair and hazel eyes.
Mitchem was last seen wearing a navy blue "JROTC" sweater and Cookie Monster print shorts.
Hoffman also said her daughter was wearing a black and white checkered floppy bucket hat, as she wore it regularly, which was also missing from the home.
"We love you, honey. We're not mad, we just want you home safe. We won't stop looking for you ever. We will go to hell and high water to find you," her parents said.
With the passing of every day, the family grows more desperate, they said.
The Sheriff's Department requests that if you have seen Mitchem or have any information on her whereabouts, to call its non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200, or the Sheriff's Major Crimes Division at (858) 285-6354.
The family also asked that tips be referred to volunteers with the RAD Movement at (619) 904-0840.
