Family of Missing 12-Year-Old Girl Pleads for Help

By ANNA DITUCCI-CAPPIELLO & SAMAIRAH KHAN

The family of a missing 12-year-old Brooklyn girl made an emotional plea on Tuesday urging New Yorkers to provide the police with any tips on her whereabouts.

The girl, Janiah Simpson, was last seen by family and friends on September 28 in Wingate School Park.  She was wearing blue sweatpants, a blue t-shirt and black and green Jordan sneakers. A family spokesman Tony Herbert said a male in his 30s approached Simpson and they were seen leaving the park together.

The girl’s mother, Janae Simpson, was too overcome with emotion to comment. Tears streaking her cheeks, she lifted up a photo of her missing daughter in a silent gesture for help.

“She needs people to believe in her and protect her and it’s extremely important for all of us to look out for each other, especially our women and children,” said Herbert.

A police spokesperson said a missing persons investigation was underway but that, “she has appeared to run away before.”

“While she was mature of her age, but she’s still 12 years old…we need her home today,” said Herbert.

In March, Simpson complained that her teacher used to bully her and make her feel like she was poison.

The Department of Education said they were investigating the situation.  Herbert said that Simpson didn’t receive the assistance that she needed.

“We need to protect our own and protect our community,” Herbert said.