Two people were charged on Tuesday, May 29, with kidnapping and other crimes in connection with the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl in Washington state.
Christopher Fitzpatrick, 39, and Maria Ann Counts, 29 are facing charges of first-degree kidnapping, promoting commercial sex abuse of a minor, providing drugs to a minor, possession of child pornography and two counts of third-degree child rape.
The search for Lily intensified over the weekend after police reported several sightings of the girl. She has been missing since May 9.
Family and friends have been passing out fliers wherever they can. On Monday, they were at the Lakewood Transit Center. The family is offering a $2,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Lily.
“She takes bus rides a lot so we wanted to hit transit stations. We’re going to hit homeless places, motels, anything we think would be suspected of someone hiding out,” said family friend Jason Mounts.
Mounts and his buddy have been plastering bus stops in and around Lakewood with fliers, begging anyone who spots Lily to call the police.
Family members believe Lily left home after agreeing to meet with someone on social media. They haven’t heard from her in weeks.
“These apps these days, these ’meet me' apps, people meeting on Facebook, you’re supposed to be 18 on Facebook. There’s a reason—control what they’re doing, just educate your kids more,” said Mounts.
“Please come home. Please call your parents. If you’re scared, thinking you’re in trouble. You’re not in trouble at all. Things that happen, a lot of us as kids do things that we regret, we just want you home safe,” he said.
Lily’s mother Lena Winters told Q13 Fox last week she’s desperate to find her daughter and bring her home to safety.
“I love you Lily so much,” said Winters. “Get away from whoever you’re with and call us.”
Police say Lily has been spotted a few times in Tacoma, and may still be in the area or in Fife. Her family and friends are pleading with her to reach out to let them know she’s okay.
