Parents Looking For Missing 14-Year-Old In Manchester, NH

By Lauren Leamanczyk, WBZ-TV's New Hampshire Bureau Chief

July 25, 2011 5:54 PM

Marissa Russo (Photo from LostNMissing.com)

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MANCHESTER, NH (CBS) – Marissa Russo just turned 14 and her parents haven’t seen her since July 14th.

Marissa told her mother she was headed to a friend’s house but she never arrived. After questioning friends and searching her Facebook page, Susan Russo now believes her daughter ran away with a 17-year-old boy she was talking to online. The scary part for Marissa’s parents is that 17-year-old has been a runaway for more than a year.

View: Flyer For Missing Teen

Marissa is 5’2″ and 135 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

WBZ-TV’s Lauren Leamanczyk reports

Her cell phone has been turned off. Susan had this message for her daughter. “Just come home. You’re not in trouble. We just want you home. We need to know you’re safe,” she said.

Derek Russo was serving with the National Guard in Kuwait when Marissa disappeared. He requested leave and rushed home to search for his daughter. They are canvassing Manchester neighborhoods and putting up fliers.

“If I could narrow it down to a few city blocks, I could go knocking on doors,” he said. “I don’t know what else to do. I’m at a loss.”

Both parents are begging the public to call police if they see Marissa or know anything about her whereabouts. They are worried someone will harm her or she will hurt herself.

Manchester Police are also involved in the investigation.

Officials with LostNMissing.com believe Russo may be in the care of an adult. If that was the case, that person could face charges.

They added that usually teens who run away will return after a week or so if they are alone.

Parents Looking For Missing 14 Year Old In Manchester, NH

Willow

How can they be sure she ran away? What if she has been abducted?

David Leavitt

Well to let you know she is safe and sound. My sister in law who is a cousin of Marissa Russo called and told me that this comment was posted on Facebook by a family member several hours after the 5:30 broadcast.
Stephanie Bubar
Omg did they find her?!!
3 hours ago via iPhone
Carrie Monfette Soucy: Yes hun, she was at the mall and called her step mom cuz she wanted to go home.

I think what helped was this broadcast and posting this alert on my Facebook page on the 21st http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Alert-2010/138662976185519 or maybe she saw the news report and heard her moms message. “Just come home. You’re not in trouble. We just want you home. We need to know you’re safe,”

David Leavitt

Either way the whole family is so happy that she is safe and sound.
sonja

I am so glad she was found safe Thank you God.

emom

Where did she have to walk to get to a friends house….. this is not good at all,, missing for over 10 days why was an amber alert used,,,,, I am sure if it was sh may have been found…. why do some wait to use it,, it makes no sense , And if it was a case of being a run away, the ambert alert would have helped…..I hope she is found safe,,,,

Willow

I agree with you, emom.

Mark

She’s a minor. when she didn’t show up where she was supposed to be that’s when everything should have kicked into action. The longer time goes on the less likely she will be ok.
Marisa

I agree Mark, emom and willow…she is not one who shuts her phone off. I am her mother (step)…her father is here on emergency leave for over seas and has 2 weeks to find Marissa…then he has to return.
emom

Marissa, I pray she is found well….. Some areas can be treacherous to walk … please keep us informed. god be with her and your family.,
gent from Ma.

This should be an amber alert! 14 is still too young to let out alone. Save her from herself or some wacko. Start pounding on doors with a picture. Someone must’ve seen her. I am praying that she is found safely.Please god, help this family.
Darlene Goff Roy

Marissa was found shortly after this report aired – Thank you so much! This is her aunt and as you can imagine her mom and dad are very busy right now, so I will take it upon myself to Thank You for the entire family!
emom

Another miracle , thank you for letting us know, I am so very glad to hear she has been found… Hold her tight, never let her go.
marisa

marissa has been found. ty to everyone
-her step mother marisa