Ottawa Police Seek Missing 13‑Year‑Old Teens
Ottawa police have issued missing‑person alerts for two 13‑year‑old girls, Nikita Morris‑Copenace and Layla Sante, who vanished in the Ottawa area on September 23 and 24. The alerts provide detailed descriptions and ask anyone with information to contact the police or Crime Stoppers. The community…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ottawa police are urgently seeking the whereabouts of two 13‑year‑old girls who went missing in the city’s suburbs in late September. The missing‑person alerts, released on Friday, September 25, describe Nikita Morris‑Copenace as an Indigenous youth and Layla Sante as a Black teen. Both were last seen in separate neighborhoods on September 23 and 24, and no credible sightings have been reported to date.
Who Are the Missing Teens?
Nikita Morris‑Copenace is a 13‑year‑old Indigenous girl who was last seen near the intersection of Greenbank Road and West Hunt Club Road on the evening of September 24. According to the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), she was wearing all black, including black Nike or Jordan shoes, and had a medium build, standing about five feet eight inches tall. She has brown eyes, shoulder‑length black hair with blue streaks, and a scar on her left arm. The police have requested that anyone who may have seen her or has information about her location call 911 immediately or contact the OPS Missing Persons Section at 613‑236‑1222, ext. 2355.
Layla Sante is a 13‑year‑old Black girl who was last seen in the 1400 block of Fisher Avenue on the morning of September 23. She was described as standing five feet nine inches tall, with a very thin build, nose piercings, and wearing a pink hoodie with a GAP logo, grey or black pants, and either slides or black shoes. She was carrying a black backpack. Like Nikita, Layla’s family and friends are urging the public to report any sightings or information to the police or Crime Stoppers.
Timeline of Events
The two missing‑person reports were filed by the OPS on Friday, September 25. Nikita was last seen at approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 24, while Layla was last seen at about 9:10 a.m. on September 23. Both girls were reported missing the following day, and the police have issued public alerts that are available on the OPS website and through local news outlets.
In the days since the alerts were released, the OPS has been actively canvassing the neighborhoods where the girls were last seen. Officers have spoken with neighbors, school staff, and local businesses in the hopes of locating any witnesses or surveillance footage that could provide clues. The police have also set up a dedicated missing‑persons hotline and are encouraging the community to remain alert for any signs of the girls.
Community Response and How to Help
Community members have responded with a mix of concern and support. Local schools have posted flyers and information on their bulletin boards, and several parents have offered to volunteer in search efforts. The OPS has also partnered with Crime Stoppers, a national crime‑reporting service that offers anonymous tips. Anyone with information can call the Crime Stoppers toll‑free number, 1‑800‑222‑8477, or submit tips online at crimestoppers.ca.
In addition to the police’s calls for information, the OPS has requested that anyone who sees the girls or has any relevant information contact them directly. The Missing Persons Section can be reached at 613‑236‑1222, ext. 2355. The police have also urged people to be cautious and to verify any information before sharing it publicly, to avoid spreading misinformation that could hinder the investigation.
What’s Next for the Investigation?
At this stage, the OPS is continuing its search and investigation. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences, interviewing witnesses, and conducting canvases in the areas where the girls were last seen. The police have also requested that school administrators and community leaders keep a close eye on the girls’ classmates and friends for any signs of distress or unusual behavior.
While the investigation is ongoing, the OPS has not released any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the girls’ disappearance. The police have emphasized that the safety of the girls is the top priority and that they are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and community partners to locate them as quickly as possible.
Why This Matters to Ottawa Residents
Missing‑person cases involving minors are always a source of deep concern for communities. Ottawa residents are urged to stay vigilant and to report any information that could help locate Nikita and Layla. The city’s collective effort—through police, schools, and community groups—demonstrates the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the safety of all residents, especially vulnerable youth.
As the investigation continues, the OPS remains committed to keeping the public informed. Updates will be posted on the OPS website and through local media outlets. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to remain alert and to reach out if they have any information that could aid the search.
Key facts
- Two 13‑year‑old girls, Nikita Morris‑Copenace and Layla Sante, went missing in Ottawa on September 23‑24.
- Both were last seen in separate neighborhoods: Greenbank & West Hunt Club Roads for Nikita and Fisher Avenue for Layla.
- The Ottawa Police Service has issued missing‑person alerts and is actively canvassing the areas.
- Community members can report tips via the OPS Missing Persons Section or Crime Stoppers.
- The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
- Public cooperation is essential to locate the girls quickly and safely.
- The case highlights the importance of community vigilance in protecting minors.
Why it matters
Missing‑person cases involving children highlight the need for swift community action and police cooperation. The search for Nikita Morris‑Copenace and Layla Sante underscores Ottawa’s commitment to protecting its youngest residents.
Frequently asked questions
How can I report a tip about the missing teens?
You can call the Ottawa Police Service Missing Persons Section at 613‑236‑1222, ext. 2355, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
What should I do if I see one of the missing girls?
If you see either Nikita or Layla, call 911 immediately and provide the police with as much detail as possible.
Are there any updates on the investigation?
The Ottawa Police Service is actively investigating and will release updates through its website and local media as new information becomes available.
