According to police reports, Aria was last seen leaving her home around 7:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. Her mother, who was working late, received a text message from her daughter just minutes before Aria disappeared. The message reportedly read: “Mom, someone’s outside.” When her mother tried to call back moments later, there was no answer.
By the time she rushed home, Aria was gone. Her phone was found on the kitchen floor, screen cracked, and the front door slightly ajar.
Local authorities quickly launched a full-scale search involving drones, K9 units, and dozens of volunteers combing through nearby woods and abandoned properties. “We’re treating this as a critical missing child case,” said Detective Marcus Hill during a press briefing. “We’re following every possible lead, and we urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
Surveillance cameras in the area captured what appeared to be a dark-colored vehicle driving slowly past the Groves’ home around the time of her disappearance. Investigators are currently trying to identify the vehicle and its driver.
Neighbors described Aria as a “sweet and quiet” girl who loved drawing and spending time with her dog. “It doesn’t make sense,” said one family friend. “She wasn’t the kind of kid to run away. Something happened that night.”
Authorities have been tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation but confirmed that digital forensic teams are examining Aria’s phone and online activity to trace any possible communication with strangers. “We’re not ruling anything out — abduction, online luring, or foul play,” said Detective Hill.
As the days stretch on without new clues, the community has rallied behind the Groves family. Candlelight vigils have been held outside their home, and local volunteers have distributed hundreds of flyers across town. The missing person poster — featuring Aria’s photo, height, and last known outfit — has circulated widely across social media, reaching national attention.
Aria’s mother made an emotional plea during a televised statement: “If anyone knows where my baby is, please… please let her come home. She’s just 12 years old. She’s scared of the dark. Please don’t hurt her.”
Police have urged people to avoid spreading unverified rumors online, emphasizing that misinformation could hinder the investigation. Still, speculation continues to swirl, with online users drawing eerie parallels to other unsolved disappearances involving mysterious messages and unidentified vehicles.
At this time, authorities are continuing their ground and aerial searches while pursuing digital leads that may reveal Aria’s last known location.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the local police department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The town remains on edge as hope and fear intertwine — waiting, praying, and refusing to give up on finding Aria Groves.
