West Columbia, SC, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Authorities in West Columbia, South Carolina, are requesting public assistance in locating three missing individuals: a 9-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and a 17-year-old girl. Layla McCoy was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt and gray sweatpants, while King Harris and Keniyah Jani Reid have been reported missing with distinct descriptions. Community involvement is crucial to ensure their safe return to their families.
West Columbia, SC – Authorities Seek Public Assistance in Locating Missing Runaways
Authorities in West Columbia, South Carolina, are appealing to the public for assistance in locating three individuals reported as runaways: a 9-year-old girl named Layla McCoy, a 16-year-old boy named King Harris, and a 17-year-old girl named Keniyah Jani Reid.
Layla McCoy, who hails from Holmes Street in West Columbia, was reported missing by her family after being last seen at around 7:30 p.m. on Friday. She was last spotted wearing a gray T-shirt adorned with white “POLO” lettering and a pair of gray sweatpants. Layla’s hair is black, styled in braids, and is tied with white barrettes. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Layla or knows of her whereabouts to contact the West Columbia dispatch center at 803-794-0721.
In another case, King Harris has also been reported as a runaway by his family. King, who is 16 years old, stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt highlighted with white paint splatter and black jeans. Similar to Layla’s situation, the public is encouraged to provide any information regarding King’s whereabouts to either the West Columbia Police Department at 803-794-0721 or to CrimeStoppers of the Midlands through their website or P3 tips app.
Additionally, authorities are actively searching for 17-year-old Keniyah Jani Reid, who was reported as a runaway on April 19. Keniyah is described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 175 pounds. She has distinctive red braids. Those with information about Keniyah are asked to reach out to Detective Amick at 803-794-0721, ext. 273, or provide a tip to CrimeStoppers at CrimeSC.com.
Supporting Details
The ongoing efforts by West Columbia law enforcement highlight the serious nature of missing persons cases, particularly involving minors. Police stress the importance of community involvement in these searches, as tips from residents can significantly contribute to the swift and safe recovery of the missing individuals. In the past, many cases have seen success due to vigilant community members acting on information received.
Background Context
Runaway cases are a known issue in many towns, and West Columbia is no exception. Families may often face challenges related to communication, safety, and the emotional toll that such situations take on each member. While the police work tirelessly to locate missing persons, challenges remain, including the potential that runaways may leave areas known to their families or go into hiding.
Pawtucket, vigilantly addressing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of their community members, continuously welcomes any leads regarding runaway individuals. Municipal authorities regularly engage with the public to raise awareness and educate citizens on how to assist effectively during such distressing circumstances.
How to Help
Anyone with information regarding Layla McCoy, King Harris, or Keniyah Jani Reid are urged to reach out promptly to law enforcement. Each piece of information may be crucial to locating these individuals and ensuring their safe return to their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I report information about the missing individuals? You can report information by calling West Columbia dispatch at 803-794-0721 or contacting CrimeStoppers at crimesc.com.
- What do the individuals look like? Layla McCoy is 9 years old with black braided hair; King Harris is 16 years old, 5’8″ tall; Keniyah Reid is 17 years old, 5’6″ tall with red braids.
- Why are runaways a concern for authorities? Runaways, especially minors, raise significant safety concerns, and their timely location is vital for their wellbeing.
- What should I do if I see one of the missing individuals? If you see any of the individuals listed, please contact the police immediately and do not attempt to engage them directly.
Key Features Summary
| Name | Age | Height | Weight | Description | Last Seen | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layla McCoy | 9 | N/A | N/A | Black braided hair, gray T-shirt with white “POLO”, gray sweatpants | 7:30 PM, Friday | 803-794-0721 |
| King Harris | 16 | 5’8″ | 150 lbs | Black hooded sweatshirt with white paint splatter, black jeans | Unknown | 803-794-0721 or CrimeStoppers |
| Keniyah Jani Reid | 17 | 5’6″ | 175 lbs | Red braids | April 19 | Detective Amick: 803-794-0721, ext. 273 or CrimeStoppers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic News Shakes Columbia Over the Death of Young Girl
Additional Resources
- WACH: Police Search for Missing Nine-Year-Old Girl
- Cola Daily: West Columbia Police Search for Missing Teen
- WLTX: Missing West Columbia Teen
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- Google Search: Missing Person Cases
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