nm io Police Department VERNON cones tae Press Release: Missing Juvenile Case # 24-0030 February 1, 2024 Lieutenant Dave Shackleton shackiet@mountvernonwa gov (380) 336-6232 or 360-661-3062 "es FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"***** UPDATE: February 4, 2024 Investigators have located Ella Jones unharmed in South Haven Michigan, (On January 30, 2024, the Mount Vernon Police Department received information as to the kdentity of ‘Keith" who had been previously talked about publicly. As a resut, investigators learned the missing juvenile had potentially used a ride share service. Mount Vernon has limited ride share options, 80 investigators were able to locate a particular ride that Ella might have taken. Investigators were able to then identity the subject “Keith who ordered that ride share for her and his address in South Haven, Michigan. Based on the totality ofthe evidence collected and the potential that the juvenile had traveled mt- slates, it supported probable cause for Kidnapping 2% degree. Detectives then partnered with the local agency, the Van Buren County Sherit's Office, to investigate the location further ‘Sherif's Office investigators went to the Blue Star Memorial Highway property and located Ella unharmed, They also located the 30-year-old male suspect at the property. He was taken into custody and is ‘currently being held for the Michigan charges of Criminal Sexual Conduct 1* Degree, Sex Offender ~ Failure to Comply with Registration Act, and Children — Contributing to Delinquency. Due to the multiple locations and jurisdictions invoived, formal criminal charging is stil being coordinated between agencies. Mount Vernon investigators immediately contacted Ella's parents who were elated with the news, ‘The investigation is continuing and more information will be available about the specific efforts involved in this case once our investigation is complete. Safe and Enjoyable Community LivingLocating Eila safely s directly attributed to the family, friends and many who showed concer and compassion for her well-being. It's also directly attributed to our Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement partners who helped when investigative leads went beyond our jurisdictional boundaries ‘oF abilitizs. In particular, we thank the Van Buren County Sheris Office for their efforts in ultimately locating Ela Lieutenant Dave Shackleton On January 6, 2024, the Mount Vernon Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile from the 2200 block of N. 20" PI. in Mount Vernon, WA. Sarah Merrill reported that her 14-year-old daughter Ella Jones had voluntarily left the house sometime that moming or the previous evening. ts Ella is described as a §°5" Caucasan female weighing approximately 135 tbs. with brown eyes and brown hair. At the time she left, she was believed to be ‘wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, multi-colored plaid pajama pants, and black Nike Air Force shoes. It is believed that she took adaitional clothing in a large. ‘green backpack when she left Since she left home, Ella has not made contact with family members or fiends. ‘Anytime a juvenile leaves home and ceases contac, it raises concern about their welfare. Mount Vernon Police Department investigators continue to be in communication with Ms. Merril Investigators are following up on information as they receive it. Please call 011 immediately ifEllais sighted. Should the public have other information related to Ella's whereabouts, please call Skagit County Dispatch at (360) 428-3211 Lieutenant Dave Shackleton