A family is heartbroken and searching for answers as they are desperate for any clues that could help them locate their 14-year-old daughter and sister who has not been seen since going to pick up groceries at a deli more three weeks ago.
The mother of Jashyah Moore told police she last saw her daughter on the morning of Oct. 14th, going in to buy groceries at Poppie's Deli on Central Avenue in East Orange. She never returned home.
"Jashyah is a smart girl, she would not stay out, she would not go out or go off with anyone," said mother Jamie Moore at an emotional press conference on Friday. "If anybody knows anything, please come forward — my baby is going to high school, she is a good girl. Please."
Jashyah’s 4-year-old little brother, Jaydin, just wants to play again with his big sister, saying he loves her, he misses her and wants her to come back.
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Police confirmed they are looking at surveillance video from the day of her disappearance. It shows the teen entering the deli with what is being described as an “older male” who paid for her items at the register. East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi says the video does not show them leaving the store together, however.
"The male on the video seen with Jashyah that day has been fully cooperative, giving full cooperation in this investigation," Bindi said.
The deli owner declined to comment, but has put up missing person flyers. There’s a $10,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to her safe return — which her aunt is desperately hoping happens, as she asks neighbors for help.
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"We have to protect the black community, we have to protect black girls — especially the most vulnerable among us," said Yolanda Aguilera.
The deli owner declined to comment, but has put up missing person flyers. There’s a $15,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to her safe return — which her aunt is desperately hoping happens, as she asks neighbors for help.
"We have to protect the black community, we have to protect black girls — especially the most vulnerable among us," said Yolanda Aguilera.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office also sent a message through the media, asking that if anyone were to see Jashya, to describe what she is wearing or relay details that help in the search.
"We know that Gabby Petito which was a very notorious case that was constantly in the news did yield results and information," said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II.
"I cannot imagine what she might be going through just being away from us this long," her mother said through tears.
Jashyah is 5'5, weighing about 135 pounds, according to her mother. She was last seen wearing a khaki pants and a black jacket.
