Desperate Search for Vanished 12-Year-Old Sister: A Pregnant Teen’s Mysterious Disappearance Strikes Fear and Confusion

Decades-Old Mystery: Where is Celina Mays?

September 28, 2025

Mount holly, New jersey – The disappearance of Celina Mays, who was just 12 years old and nine months pregnant, remains a haunting cold case nearly three decades after she vanished from her family home in December 1996. Despite tireless efforts, neither Celina nor the child she carried have ever been found, leaving her family in enduring anguish.

The Night Celina Disappeared

Nori Mays, then four years old, was tasked with waking her stepsister, Celina, for breakfast. Upon entering Celina’s room, Nori discovered the bed was made, but pillows were arranged beneath a sheet, giving the illusion someone was still asleep. Celina was gone, vanishing into the night just two weeks before her due date.

Now 33 years old, Nori Mays has dedicated her life to seeking answers about her sister’s fate. Despite the passage of time,she continues to hold onto hope,urging anyone with details to come forward.

A Father’s Plea and a Secret Kept

Reports indicate that Celina’s father, Crezonzo ‘C.J.’ Mays, requested Celina to reveal the identity of her unborn child’s father shortly before her disappearance. Celina reportedly refused to disclose this information, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The identity of the father remains unknown to this day.

The church and the Questions

Celina was raised within the confines of the Gospel of Christ Ministries in Mount Holly, New Jersey, a church described by family members as being highly controlled. She was homeschooled, restricting her freedom and raising questions about the influences surrounding her. Investigators have scrutinized the church’s role in her life and disappearance.

The church is no longer affiliated with the Christ Gospel Ministries, and questions have been raised about potential “brainwashing” of the congregation. Local authorities continue to appeal for information from anyone who may have been connected to the church during that time.

Current Status of the Examination

The case remains an open investigation, currently led by Detective Monica Pogorzelski of the Willingboro Police Department. Detective Pogorzelski stated last year, “We remain hopeful that Celina and her child might potentially be alive.After 27 years, the case is still an open investigation.We will not give up in our search and we hope to one day give Celina’s family the answers they deserve.”

Nori Mays recently spoke to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, appealing for continued attention to her sister’s case. She emphasized the profound impact of this loss on her family, pleading for compassion and understanding from those following the story.

Key Fact	Details
Date of Disappearance	December 16, 1996
Age at Disappearance	12 years old
Location	Mount Holly, New Jersey
Current Age (if alive)	Celina: 41, Child: 28 (as of 2025)

Did You Know? according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, thousands of children go missing in the United States each year. While the vast majority are found, some cases, like Celina Mays’, remain unsolved for decades.

The Challenges of Cold cases

Cold cases, like Celina Mays’ disappearance, present unique challenges for law enforcement. Evidence can degrade over time, witnesses’ memories fade, and leads ofen dry up. Though, advancements in forensic technology, such as DNA analysis, offer renewed hope for solving these mysteries. The use of genetic genealogy, a technique that combines DNA analysis with genealogical research, has led to breakthroughs in numerous cold cases in recent years, as reported by NBC News.

Pro Tip: If you have information about a missing person case, even seemingly insignificant details, contact your local law enforcement agency or the National Center for Missing & exploited Children. Your contribution could be the key to bringing closure to a family.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Celina Mays Case

• What is the current status of the Celina Mays investigation? the case remains open and is actively investigated by the Willingboro Police Department.
• Has any new evidence emerged in the Celina Mays case recently? While there have been no major breakthroughs, authorities continue to pursue leads and re-examine existing evidence.
• Who was the father of Celina Mays’ unborn child? The identity of the father remains unknown and is a key element of the investigation.
• What role did the church play in Celina Mays’ disappearance? Investigators are examining the church’s influence on Celina and the potential impact it had on her disappearance.
• How can I help with the search for Celina Mays? You can contact the Willingboro Police Department or the National center for Missing & Exploited Children with any information you may have.
• What are the long-term effects of a missing person case on a family? The emotional toll on families of the missing is immense and enduring, often leading to prolonged grief, anxiety, and uncertainty.
• Is there a statute of limitations on missing person cases? Generally, there is no statute of limitations on missing person cases, meaning investigations can remain open indefinitely.

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What psychological factors might contribute to a pregnant teenager withholding information or providing misleading statements in a missing sibling case?

The Case of Lily Thompson: A Timeline of Events

The small town of Havenwood, ohio, is reeling from the disappearance of 12-year-old Lily thompson, and the unsettling circumstances surrounding her older sister, 16-year-old Sarah Jenkins, who is five months pregnant. Lily was last seen on September 26th, 2025, leaving Havenwood Middle School. Sarah, initially cooperative with authorities, has become increasingly withdrawn, fueling speculation and hindering the ongoing missing person investigation.

Here’s a breakdown of the known timeline:

* september 26th, 3:15 PM: Lily Thompson is witnessed leaving Havenwood Middle School with classmates.

* September 26th, 3:45 PM: lily is reported missing by her mother, emily Thompson, after failing to return home.

* September 26th, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Initial search efforts, involving local law enforcement and volunteers, focus on the route between the school and the Thompson residence.

* September 27th: Sarah Jenkins provides a statement to police, claiming she last saw Lily on the morning of the 26th. Discrepancies begin to emerge in her account.

* September 28th: The search expands,utilizing canine units and aerial support. The FBI is contacted to assist with the child abduction case.

Sarah Jenkins: A Sister’s Secret and growing Suspicion

The pregnancy of sarah Jenkins adds a complex layer to the investigation. Sources close to the family reveal Sarah had been keeping her pregnancy a secret for several months, fearing her parents’ reaction. This secrecy, coupled with inconsistencies in her statements, has led investigators to focus heavily on her.

Key points regarding Sarah’s involvement:

* Changing Story: Initial reports indicated Sarah was unaware of Lily’s whereabouts. However, subsequent interviews revealed she may have been the last person to see Lily, possibly walking with her part of the way home.

* Emotional State: Witnesses describe Sarah as exhibiting erratic behaviour – periods of intense grief followed by unsettling calmness.

* Possible Motives: While speculation is rampant, investigators are exploring all potential motives, including family disputes, the stress of an unplanned pregnancy, and potential involvement with individuals outside the family. The possibility of runaway teen scenarios is also being considered, though authorities believe foul play is more likely.

* Digital Footprint: Law enforcement is meticulously examining Sarah’s phone records, social media activity, and computer usage for clues. This includes analyzing her search history for terms related to missing children, how to hide a body, and pregnancy resources.

The Search Efforts: Utilizing Technology and Community Support

The search for Lily Thompson is a multi-faceted operation, leveraging both advanced technology and the dedication of the Havenwood community.

* Advanced Technology:

* Cell Tower Data Analysis: Investigators are analyzing cell tower data to track Lily’s and sarah’s movements on the day of the disappearance.

* Drone Surveillance: Drones equipped with thermal imaging are being used to search wooded areas and difficult-to-access terrain.

* Social Media Monitoring: Law enforcement is actively monitoring social media platforms for any information related to the case, utilizing hashtags like #FindLilyThompson and #havenwoodmissing.

* Community Involvement:

* Volunteer Search Teams: Hundreds of volunteers have joined the search efforts, canvassing neighborhoods, distributing flyers, and posting updates online.

* Local Businesses: Local businesses are displaying missing person posters and offering support to the Thompson family.

* Fundraising Efforts: A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs associated with the search and investigation.

Similar Cases & expert Insights: Patterns in Child Disappearances

Examining past cases of missing children can provide valuable insights and potential leads. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports that the first 48 hours are critical in a missing child investigation.

* The Holly Bobo Case (2011): This case,involving the abduction and murder of a 20-year-old woman in Tennessee,highlighted the importance of thorough forensic analysis and persistent investigation.

* The Jaycee Dugard Case (1991): This case, where a young girl was kidnapped and held captive for 18 years, underscored the need for vigilance and awareness of potential predators.

* Expert Opinion (Dr. Emily Carter, Forensic Psychologist): “In cases involving a pregnant teen and a missing sibling, it’s crucial to consider the psychological pressures and potential for desperation. The teen may be acting out of fear, shame, or a misguided attempt to protect herself or her unborn child. A complete psychological evaluation is essential.”

Resources for Families of missing Children

If you have information about Lily Thompson’s disappearance, please contact the Havenwood police Department at (555) 123