Fernley, Nevada — Authorities in Nevada are urgently searching for a 28-year-old mother and her 7-month-old daughter, who have been missing for more than a week after the woman reportedly walked away from a rehabilitation facility.
The disappearance has raised growing concerns among investigators as officials work to piece together the events leading up to the pair vanishing.
Mother Left Rehab Facility Before Disappearance
According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Twyla Defond was initially arrested on an outstanding warrant and booked into jail on April 5.
After spending several weeks in custody, she was later transferred to a rehabilitation facility. However, authorities say the situation quickly took a concerning turn.
On May 1, Defond reportedly walked away from the rehab center. Investigators said she was later picked up in the desert by her boyfriend and one of his friends.
The circumstances surrounding why she left the facility remain unclear.
Last Seen Leaving with Infant Daughter
Just days later, on the morning of May 5, witnesses reportedly saw Defond leaving a residence with her 7-month-old daughter, whom she legally had custody of.
That same day, a court reportedly issued another warrant for her arrest.
Since then, neither the mother nor the infant has been seen or heard from, prompting authorities to intensify their search efforts.
Officials say investigators have struggled to determine how Defond may have traveled after leaving the residence.
“Investigators have not been able to identify a vehicle in relation to this case and it was reported Twyla likely left on foot,” the sheriff’s office said.
The lack of confirmed transportation details has complicated the investigation and increased concerns for the safety of both mother and child.
Missing Persons Report Triggered Investigation
The case reportedly gained wider attention on May 9, when the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office forwarded a courtesy report involving Defond and her daughter to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities noted that despite concerns about their whereabouts, neither had initially been entered into national missing persons databases.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office officially launched its investigation on May 11 after receiving the report.
Since then, both Defond and her baby have been entered into the National Crime Information Center as missing persons.
Authorities Continue Search Efforts
Investigators are now asking the public for assistance in locating the missing mother and child.
Officials have not released many additional details about possible sightings or leads, but they continue urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that even small details could help investigators determine where Defond and her daughter may have gone.
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Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is being asked to contact Det. Lt. Ty Joyner at 775-463-6600.
Community Concern Growing
As days pass without confirmed sightings, concern continues growing for the safety and well-being of both the mother and her infant daughter.
Cases involving missing children often generate heightened urgency among law enforcement agencies, particularly when little information is available about travel methods or possible destinations.
Authorities continue searching for answers while hoping someone in the community may recognize Defond or provide information that helps safely reunite the mother and child with loved ones.
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