Amber Alert issued for teen last seen in September in NE Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An amber alert has been issued for a 13-year-old girl missing from the custody of Child Protective Services.

Leilana Graham was last seen on Sept. 20 at the state-sponsored home where she lived in the 10500 block of Rockaway Drive in northeast Houston.

Federal investigators have joined the search for Graham. They told ABC13 she is in danger.

“The FBI is involved because we believe that she may be a victim of sex trafficking,” said Christina Garza, a public affairs officer for the FBI Houston office.

Federal investigators believe the young teen was abducted by a 22-year-old man named Sha Kendrick Edward Smith. He is believed to be driving a blue 2008 GMC extended cab with paper plates: 28809T1

tried speaking with adults inside the home where Graham lived. A man who answered the door said he knew the teen but did not want to speak.

Missing for more than two weeks the search has become urgent. The FBI said they received the case on Sept. 30, just ten days after she was first reported missing.

It is unclear what happened or who was searching for the teen before the FBI became involved.

When questioned for answers, CPS sent the following brief statement:

“Leilana Graham is in the States legal custody and Child Protective Investigators are actively working alongside law enforcement to find her.”

We know that she has been a victim of sex trafficking in the past, and so that’s why it is very urgent for us to get ahold of her, find her safely, bring her back,” said Garza.
Graham was last seen wearing a white and yellow striped shirt, black shoes and had a clear backpack.

Anyone with information should immediately call 911 or the FBI at 713-693-5000.