What's Happening?
Destiny Erts, a 26-year-old woman from Randolph, New Jersey, who was reported missing three months ago, has been found alive in New York. Erts, who has an intellectual disability, was last seen at the Dover Public Library in New Jersey on July 11. She
was discovered in Harlem after investigators followed leads in the Bronx and New York City. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, which had classified her as endangered, facilitated her return to New Jersey. The case highlights the ongoing issue of missing persons in the U.S., with over 533,936 people reported missing last year, according to the National Crime Information Center.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of Destiny Erts underscores the challenges and complexities involved in missing persons cases, particularly those involving individuals with disabilities. The case also highlights the significant number of missing persons in the U.S., with a notable portion being children and individuals with disabilities. The successful location of Erts demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in resolving such cases. It also brings attention to the disproportionate number of missing Black women, as more than 20,000 of the 73,000 adult females reported missing last year were Black women.
What's Next?
Authorities continue to seek information regarding the circumstances of Erts' disappearance and her time in New York. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has urged anyone with information to contact the Human Services Police Department or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit. This ongoing investigation may lead to further insights into the factors contributing to her disappearance and could inform future efforts to prevent similar cases.
