Urgent Search in Portsmouth, Virginia – Help Find 16-Year-Old Dakera Shanae Skinner
A community on edge
Missing person in Virginia. The city of Portsmouth, Virginia, is gripped with concern as police search for 16-year-old Dakera Shanae Skinner, who vanished on November 4, 2025. She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, blue shorts, and black bubble slides. Her sudden disappearance has left family, friends, and officers racing against time to find her.
Who is Dakera Shanae Skinner
Dakera is a bright, ambitious teenager with a warm smile and a kind heart. Her friends describe her as outgoing and full of energy. She loves spending time with her family, helping younger kids, and listening to music. Her teachers say she is responsible and thoughtful — someone who always tries to help others. Her family calls her “a light in every room.” That light now feels painfully missing.
The last time she was seen
On the afternoon of November 4, Dakera left her home wearing casual clothes — her gray hoodie, blue shorts, and black slides. She didn’t take much with her. Hours passed, and she didn’t return. Her family grew worried when her phone stopped ringing and messages went unanswered. By evening, they contacted the Portsmouth Police Department. Since then, the search has grown more urgent with every passing hour.
The search effort grows
Police officers have been canvassing neighborhoods, checking surveillance cameras, and speaking with anyone who might have seen Dakera. Investigators believe she may still be in the Portsmouth area, though they haven’t ruled out nearby cities. Volunteers have joined the search, spreading her photo and information across social media. Flyers now hang in stores, schools, and bus stops.
The Portsmouth Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. They stress that even a small detail — a sighting, a conversation, a vehicle description — could help locate her. “Someone knows something,” one officer said. “We just need that one lead.”
Why your help matters
Awareness saves lives. Every share, post, and message helps extend the search. Someone scrolling online might recognize Dakera from the photo. A driver might notice a girl in a gray hoodie walking nearby. These small moments can bring a missing child home.
In cases like this, speed and accuracy matter most. Authorities ask the public to check verified updates from police before reposting information. Sharing from trusted sources ensures clarity and keeps the focus on finding Dakera.
Family’s plea for help
Dakera’s family is heartbroken but determined. Her mother’s voice trembles when she says, “Please, help us bring her home. She’s our world.” Her father has joined local search teams, walking neighborhoods late into the night. Their hope fuels the growing community effort.
Neighbors have opened their doors to assist, offering food, flashlight batteries, and extra flyers. Churches have held prayer circles, and youth groups are organizing social media campaigns to spread awareness. Portsmouth is proving that compassion can unite a city.
How you can help
If you live in or near Portsmouth, keep your eyes open. Look for a girl matching Dakera’s description — 16 years old, gray hoodie, blue shorts, black bubble slides.
If you see her or know anything about her whereabouts, act immediately.
Call 911 for urgent sightings
Portsmouth Police Department: 434-847-1602
Do not wait or assume someone else will call. One phone call could bring her home.
Hope remains strong
The search for Dakera Shanae Skinner continues day and night. Police, volunteers, and her loved ones refuse to give up. The community’s unity grows stronger with every passing day.
