Hailey
In a heart-stopping incident that gripped the communities of Missouri and Indiana, two 12-year-old girls, Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale, went missing after attending a high school football game in Rock Port, Missouri, on the night of September 19, 2025.
Their sudden disappearance triggered an immediate Amber Alert and a multi-state search effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The case drew widespread attention due to the girls’ young age and the urgency of ensuring their safety.
Fortunately, after more than a day of intensive investigation, the girls were found safe in Evansville, Indiana, over 500 miles from their hometown, and the suspect, Dustin Allen Hill, was arrested.
This case highlights the importance of rapid response, inter-agency collaboration, and community vigilance in protecting children from abduction.
Amber Alert Issued
The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office issued an Amber Alert early on Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, after the girls failed to return home from the game.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the girls were last seen around 8:40 p.m. on Friday at the football game.
The alert described them as missing and endangered, urging the public to assist in locating them.
Discovery In Indiana
The following morning, Saturday, September 20, 2025, the girls were found safe in Evansville, Indiana, over 500 miles away from their home in Missouri.
Authorities confirmed that both girls were unharmed upon discovery.
Arrest Of Dustin Allen Hill
In connection with the case, Dustin Allen Hill, a 22-year-old man from Florence, Arizona, was arrested.
He was charged with child kidnapping after being taken into custody in Evansville, Indiana. The arrest followed a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The investigation involved several agencies working together to locate the missing girls and apprehend the suspect:
- Atchison County Sheriff’s Office: Led the initial investigation and coordinated the Amber Alert.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol: Assisted in the search efforts within Missouri.
- Evansville Police Department: Conducted the search and recovery operation in Indiana.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Provided support in the investigation and coordination across state lines.
- Cyber Crimes Task Force: Assisted in analyzing digital evidence and tracking the suspect’s movements.
This collaborative approach was instrumental in the swift resolution of the case.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Disappearance | September 19, 2025 |
| Location of Disappearance | Rock Port, Missouri |
| Date Found | September 20, 2025 |
| Location Found | Evansville, Indiana |
| Suspect Arrested | Dustin Allen Hill |
| Suspect’s Age | 22 years old |
| Suspect’s Residence | Florence, Arizona |
| Charges Filed | Child kidnapping |
| Investigating Agencies | Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Evansville Police Department, FBI, Cyber Crimes Task Force |
Community And Public Response
The swift resolution of the case was met with relief and gratitude from the local community in Rock Port, Missouri.
Residents expressed their appreciation for the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the support from the public during the search.
The incident also highlighted the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of Amber Alerts in locating missing children.
The case of the missing 12-year-old girls from Rock Port, Missouri, underscores the critical role of law enforcement collaboration and public awareness in resolving such incidents.
The swift actions of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Evansville Police Department, FBI, and the Cyber Crimes Task Force were pivotal in ensuring the safe return of Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale.
The arrest of Dustin Allen Hill serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for continued efforts to protect children from abduction and harm.