Missing juvenile — help find Makenzie Dalton
A disappearance that raised urgent alarms
Missing person in South Carolina. Makenzie Dalton left home in late November. She lived in Lexington County. The departure felt ordinary at first. Hours turned into silence. Calls stopped reaching her. Friends heard nothing. Family fears grew quickly. Deputies opened a search immediately. Every hour started to matter. Concern now sits heavy across the community.
Who Makenzie Dalton is
Makenzie is sixteen. She smiles easily and trusts deeply. Friends describe loyalty and warmth. Family remembers determination and humor. Plans once filled conversations. School, friends, and future goals shaped life. None of that should vanish overnight. Loved ones hold tight to hope. They believe awareness can help. They believe strangers can notice something important.
Troubling discoveries
Investigators located the vehicle Makenzie used. They also recovered her suitcase. Those discoveries changed everything. Questions multiplied instantly. Why leave belongings behind? Where did plans suddenly shift? Detectives believe danger exists now. Every clue carries weight. Timing matters more each day. Nothing feels routine anymore.
Concerning possibility
Detectives believe Makenzie travels with an adult male. She reportedly knows him. That detail increases risk significantly. Adults hold power. Teens trust too fast. Secrecy grows quietly. Officers warn the public: stay alert. Do not engage directly. Safety comes first. Information saves time. Time saves lives.
The last reliable timeline
Late November marked the final departure. Lexington County formed the backdrop. Homes felt peaceful that evening. One teen slipped away. Since then, no confirmed sightings. No verified contact. Only questions remain. Detectives track routes carefully. They map possible stops. They review tips daily. Even tiny memories can help.
The human side
Kitchen lights stay on nightly. Phones never leave chargers. Parents replay conversations. Friends send quiet prayers. Holidays carried empty seats. Every day feels longer. Hope, however, refuses to fade. Love anchors their patience. They believe someone knows something. They believe compassion will speak.
Why sharing matters
Recoveries often start with visibility. One photo triggers memory. A driver notices a familiar face. A clerk recalls a conversation. Separate fragments build timelines. Timelines guide investigators forward. Forward motion brings direction. Direction leads to answers. Community attention multiplies those chances.
What to watch for
Notice teens traveling with older adults. Look for unusual dynamics. Watch behavior closely. Stress appears in posture. Fear appears in silence. Trust instincts if something feels wrong. Call authorities immediately. Your decision could matter.
How to help right now
Report any information immediately. Call 888-274-6372. Provide locations, names, vehicles, and times. Stay available for follow-up. Do not confront anyone. Let officers handle contact.
Lexington County remains alert tonight. Investigators continue working. Families refuse to stop searching. Please share widely. Keep eyes open. Help bring Makenzie Dalton home safely.
