UPDATE: Missing Maricopa Teen Discovered Safe and Sound

Maricopa, AZ – The search for a missing 12-year-old girl has concluded successfully. Kaelyn Hughes, a seventh-grader at Desert Wind Middle School, was discovered safe around 7:30 p.m. on the same day she was reported missing, according to a spokesperson for the Maricopa Police Department. Details surrounding her condition at the time of her discovery have not yet been disclosed.

Kaelyn was last seen after school at the bus pick-up area, but she did not board the bus, raising concerns for her safety. Her mother, Kara Hughes, reported her absence, emphasizing that Kaelyn has a medical condition that may affect her cognitive decision-making capabilities. Additionally, it was noted that Kaelyn is on the autism spectrum.

At the time of her disappearance, Kaelyn was wearing a red and black striped long-sleeve shirt and grey jeans, one of which had a cut pant leg. The community responded swiftly, with many residents keeping an eye out for the young girl.

Authorities are grateful for the public’s assistance in locating Kaelyn and urge anyone with further information about her whereabouts to contact Maricopa Police at 520-568-3673.

More updates are anticipated from the Maricopa Unified School District concerning this incident.