Update: Missing 17-year-old girl returns home

The Juneau Police Department is asking the community for help in locating 17-year-old Kaitlynn Elizabeth Murphy. (Photos from Juneau Police Department Facebook page)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

Update 4/16/26: The Juneau Police Department was notified that 17-year-old Kaitlynn Murphy returned home Thursday, according to a social media update.

Original 4/15/26: The Juneau Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Kaitlynn Elizabeth Murphy, who was reported missing by her family on Wednesday.

Murphy was last seen on Monday evening, according to a press release. JPD received a report that she left home to attend school Tuesday morning but did not return. Officers confirmed with her school that she did not attend classes Tuesday.

Murphy is described as approximately five feet and nine inches tall, weighing around 300 pounds, with long black hair, brown eyes, and glasses. It is unknown what clothing she was wearing when she went to school, according to JPD.

JPD urges anyone with information regarding Murphy's whereabouts to contact the department at 907-586-0600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.juneaucrimeline.com.

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or 907-723-9356.

A photo of 17-year-old Kaitlynn Elizabeth Murphy. (Juneau Police Department Facebook)