🚨 “Zyla, I love you so much. Keep praying, don’t give up, and stay strong. You have a whole army looking for you to bring you home safe.” — Her mom’s heartbreaking plea as days turn into nearly a week without a trace 😢🙏🏠

16-year-old Zyla Velazquez walked out of her Norcross, Georgia home on the morning of Feb. 18… captured on surveillance just stepping outside, then vanished into thin air. No phone pings, no sightings, nothing. This isn’t like her at all—family says she’s responsible, loving, and would never disappear without a word.

Her mom Nakeya Moore is beside herself, begging the public for any lead. Helicopters? Ground searches? The whole community is on alert, sharing flyers, checking cameras, praying for a miracle. Zyla’s 5’5″, 125 lbs, brown eyes, black hair—last seen in dark jeans and a white multicolored shirt.

What happened in those quiet morning hours? Did she meet someone? Run into trouble? The uncertainty is tearing this family apart.

This case is urgent and spreading fast—click below for the latest updates, her mom’s full message, surveillance details, and how YOU can help bring her home. 👇

Authorities and family members continue an urgent search for 16-year-old Zyla Velazquez, who has been missing from her home in Norcross since the morning of Feb. 18, 2026, with no confirmed sightings reported in the days since.

Zyla was last seen leaving her residence around 9 a.m. that morning, captured on surveillance video walking away from the property. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and local reports from outlets including 11Alive, Atlanta News First, and WSB Radio, her disappearance is considered highly concerning and out of character.

Her mother, Nakeya Moore, issued an emotional public statement shared widely by NCMEC: “Zyla, I love you so much. Keep praying, don’t give up, and stay strong. You have a whole army looking for you to bring you home safe.” Moore described the situation as deeply worrying, emphasizing that Zyla has never exhibited behavior suggesting she would leave voluntarily without contact.

Zyla is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 125 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing dark jeans and a white shirt with multicolored patterns. Officials believe she may still be in the Norcross or greater metro Atlanta area, though no specific leads have been publicly confirmed.

The Norcross Police Department, in coordination with Gwinnett County authorities and NCMEC, has been actively investigating since the report was filed. Surveillance footage from the home shows Zyla outside before she walked away, but there have been no additional confirmed images or witness accounts of her movements afterward. No Amber Alert has been issued, as criteria for activation typically require evidence of abduction or imminent danger, though the case remains open and active.

Community response has been swift, with flyers distributed, social media posts amplified by organizations like Black and Missing Inc., and calls for tips from anyone who may have seen Zyla or have information about her whereabouts. NCMEC posted Zyla’s details on Feb. 24, highlighting the family’s plea and urging the public to come forward.

Moore has expressed frustration and fear in interviews, noting the emotional toll of the uncertainty. She described Zyla as a responsible teenager who maintains good communication with family, making the sudden absence particularly alarming. The family has participated in searches and media outreach to keep attention on the case.

Norcross, a suburban city in Gwinnett County northeast of Atlanta, is home to a diverse population and known for its proximity to major highways and commercial areas. The location raises possibilities that Zyla could have traveled by foot, vehicle, or public transit, though no evidence points to a specific direction.

Missing teen cases often involve a range of scenarios, from voluntary departures to foul play or accidents. Authorities have not released details suggesting criminal activity but have stressed the need for vigilance. Tips can be directed to local police, NCMEC (1-800-THE-LOST), or anonymous lines.

The case has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions about missing persons, particularly among minority communities where coverage can sometimes lag. Organizations like Black and Missing Inc. have included Zyla in recent alerts, alongside other cases, to broaden awareness.

As of late Feb. 24, 2026, no updates indicate Zyla has been located. Family and officials continue to monitor social media, surveillance from nearby businesses, and community reports. Moore’s message of love and strength has resonated online, with thousands sharing posts in hopes of generating leads.

The search underscores the challenges in early-stage missing persons investigations, where time is critical. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information—even seemingly minor details—to contact authorities immediately.

For now, the focus remains on bringing Zyla home safely. Her family, supported by a growing network of advocates and concerned citizens, holds out hope that public awareness will lead to a positive resolution.