Update: West Seattle mom says missing son is back home

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(Additional update on Wednesday night – Casey’s mom explains in a comment how he was found)

TUESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Casey’s mom reports in the comment section that he is back home. Original story after the jump:

2:33 PM: This is just in, sent by April, who says her teenage son has been missing since last night. We have asked a few followup questions but wanted to first get her information and her missing son’s photo out as fast as possible:

My son, Casey Angell-Risinger, went missing at 9:40 pm last night from our home in West Seattle. He had just been in the kitchen to upload an assignment on the computer to submit for one of his classes. I was in the living room and heard the kitchen door open. I thought he took out the trash but I didn’t hear him come back in after a minute. I went to the door and he was gone.

Casey is 16 years old but he has no history of being a runaway. He did not have anything with him such as a backpack or money and I don’t believe he was planning on leaving. There are additional suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance which I do not want to go public since we are pursuing them and since revealing the information could lead to putting him more in danger.

We have filed a missing persons case with the Seattle Police Department. The case number is 11-181810.

Casey is just under 6 feet tall and about 145 pounds. He has a slender build. He has light brown hair about 2 inches long, blue eyes and fair skin. He was last seen wearing a black pullover hoodie with a light blue and gray design on the front, dark gray jeans, and black Nikes.

Again, Casey has no history of running away, criminal behavior, etc, and it is urgent that we get this information out to the public as he may have been hurt or may still be in danger.

Call 911 if you have seen him. We’ll add more information as we get it. ADDED 3:20 PM: Casey’s mom says they moved from Sand Point a few months ago and live in High Point. Her son has been enrolled in an online school. But he has participated in sports and activities at High Point and Delridge Community Centers.

LA June 7, 2011 (2:45 pm)

Please God let this boy be returned home safely, today!

maplesyrup June 7, 2011 (2:50 pm)

In what part of WS does he live, and where does he go to school?

WSB June 7, 2011 (3:01 pm)

Those were two of my followup questions, sent as soon as I put up this original note. When I hear back, I will add them. – TR

lunapark June 7, 2011 (3:03 pm)

Praying for Casey’s safe return and peace of mind for his family. I will share his photo with my kids who are close in age and make sure they pass it along to their friends.

Mike June 7, 2011 (3:30 pm)

Hope he returns home or is found safe soon. This is another reason WSB is fantastic, community support and get the word out fast to help find missing kids/people.
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Will definitely keep an eye out for him.

onceachef June 7, 2011 (3:39 pm)

Wow…frightening and amazing that something like this could happen. Is there an “ex” involved? I hope whatever happened he gets home safely.

Cami June 7, 2011 (3:41 pm)

Tracy, “April” is a person, right? I read that wrong the first time. This boy has been missing since LAST night (6/6)?

April DeLira June 7, 2011 (3:43 pm)

No “ex” involved. We just don’t understand why this happened. We are scared for him and want him home safe as soon as possible.

comehome June 7, 2011 (3:44 pm)

Prayers for his safe return. A nightmare for any family.

Bonnie June 7, 2011 (3:52 pm)

I hope you find him safe! Prayers that he returns safely.

Muddy Girl June 7, 2011 (3:52 pm)

This must be a terribly stressful time for you and your family and I am holding you in my heart praying for your sons safe return. I have dealt with a teenager disappearing before and I can understand the terrifying and helpless feeling that comes with it. Stay strong…search everywhere and utilize any resources available to you. I will share his name and photo with my own teenagers and ask them to spread the word. *HUGS*

sks June 7, 2011 (3:54 pm)

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

george June 7, 2011 (4:13 pm)

This needs a little editing. Its made to sound like its from last April. And, doens’t SPD require 48 hours before a MPR is taken? Hoping for a safe return.

WSB June 7, 2011 (4:22 pm)

Have no idea about the interval regarding missing-persons reports. Have changed the wording a bit, by popular demand.

bwilson June 7, 2011 (4:23 pm)

Is there an Amber alert out about this young man?

OP June 7, 2011 (4:24 pm)

This is really, really weird. Here’s hoping and praying for safe and speedy return home.

April June 7, 2011 (4:34 pm)

Casey’s a teenager but still a minor so, contrary to popular belief, you do not have to wait even 24 hours to file a Missing Person’s Report. He is too old for an Amber alert, however, and I do not remember the cut-off I read for Amber alerts. If this happens to anyone else, please know that they can file as soon as they feel that something is wrong. Don’t wait. As we are finding out, the report will not even reach a detective’s desk until ~36 hours after he went missing and the case will then be prioritized alongside murders, etc. Teenagers are not a priority.

Casey is not just a teenager, though. He is my son and everything to me. We can’t just wait for someone else to do something. Thank you all for spreading the word and I will keep you posted.

TimS June 7, 2011 (5:02 pm)

I will keep in mind while I am in West Seattle. Hope he returns quickly.

Blinkyjoe June 7, 2011 (5:24 pm)

Wow, very strange. Just under 6ft and a buck forty five? Not a tiny kid. Any attempted kidnapping would have generated some commotion, I would think. Without knowing the other suspicious circumstances that could lead to further endagering him if disclosed, I can only say I’ll keep an eye out and best of luck!

Susan Parker June 7, 2011 (5:36 pm)

April, I just saw this. You have all my prayers and hopes that Casey gets home safely and soon. I wish I could help in some way. Please keep us all posted, and try to take care of yourself, too.

hustlerose June 7, 2011 (5:39 pm)

does he have a facebook or anything like that you can check? did anything seems suspicious? what about his friends? if he were planning something, that would be a good place to start. not that i’m saying he would, but i remember feeling that way when i was a teenager. please keep us posted.

cakeordeath June 7, 2011 (6:25 pm)

I am so sorry. Will keep my eyes out. Cell phone records checked? Best friends interviewed? I am hoping he did run for an unknown reason and is therefore safe and will home shortly. My thoughts and prayers are with you, April. I have a son also and there is nothing more important to me than him.

SaraJeanQueen June 7, 2011 (7:49 pm)

I am very intrigued about this… please update if he is found. Why has he not been in school? Are there suspicious friends and where might they “hang out” or live?

WSB June 7, 2011 (8:04 pm)

SaraJean – studying online *is* in school. Washington Virtual Academy, which April mentioned, is a fully accredited public school. I know – our son was a WAVA student for two years. It’s a growing trend and there are many reasons a family might choose to use an online school rather than bricks-and-mortar, and it’s their business. – TR

JulieS June 7, 2011 (8:26 pm)

Just read the post. Our household will definitely keep an eye out for the young man and our prayers are with you. I have a son about the same age and can only imagine the agony you are going through right now.

Jen Causey June 7, 2011 (8:57 pm)

April…I shared this on FB and am praying for Casey’s safe return…please call us if you need ANYTHING! Trey and I certainly have had our share of worrisome situations with our son, so I am keeping you all in my thoughts tonight! Love you!!

Westside J. June 7, 2011 (9:13 pm)

Wow I really hope this kid shows up safe asap!! Hang in there patents.

Neighbor June 7, 2011 (9:40 pm)

Can you activate the GPS on his cell? Have you called the cell company? I’m hoping for the best for you and yours.

Shannon June 7, 2011 (9:53 pm)

Praying for your son’s safe return.

amom June 7, 2011 (10:02 pm)

Saying a prayer for your boy’s safe return.

puamama June 7, 2011 (10:10 pm)

Sending prayers for a safe return, my heart goes out to you….

Owlish June 7, 2011 (10:24 pm)

April, so many people are praying/meditating/ hoping for Casey’s safe return to you. Hang in there. He’s gonna be ok.

April June 7, 2011 (10:46 pm)

CASEY IS HOME! THAT WAS DEFINITELY THE HARDEST THING I’VE ENDURED IN MY LIFE. CAN’T IMAGINE LOSING MY BABY. I’LL DEFINITELY BE FOLLOWING THE WEST SEATTLE BLOG NOW. WE HAVE BEEN AMAZED BY THE RESPONSE. THANK YOU MORE THAN I CAN SAY.

que June 7, 2011 (10:52 pm)

Yay!!! So glad that he is home!

moji June 7, 2011 (10:56 pm)

o thank HEAVENS he’s home safe. Been there, done that; Worst days ever. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers. Take good care.

wendy mcclay June 7, 2011 (10:56 pm)

Your prayers and the prayers of many have been answered. Thanks for the update April. I am glad the West Seattle blog and community helped you through this and gave you hope when hope was needed.

SaraJeanQueen June 7, 2011 (11:09 pm)

No need for the attitude… I realize there are reasons students attend online school rather than “conventional” school, and that’s what I meant when I asked why he is not in school. I am a high school teacher and I am well aware that when a student opts for online school, there are reasons surrounding this decision, usually social. That is why I asked about his group of friends.

NotMe June 7, 2011 (11:13 pm)

Hug him tight…. You went through some hell today, Mom. I hope things get better for you and yours.

Mookie June 7, 2011 (11:24 pm)

I’m very thankful he returned home safely a little over 24 hours later!! That is wonderful news.
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Once the hugging is over, I can only hope “THAT WAS DEFINITELY THE HARDEST THING I’VE ENDURED IN MY LIFE” is something Casey will take to heart, and that everyone in your family will be OK.

westseattledood June 8, 2011 (12:08 am)

Wow. That is some good news. Very, very nice indeed.

Mary June 8, 2011 (12:38 am)

What fantastic news! I thought I’d check for updates, prepared for no news or bad news, and am SO DELIGHTED to know he’s back home safely!

badseattle June 8, 2011 (6:56 am)

April, I am so happy your son is home safe. We were thinking of you all night. Parenting teens is the hardest job I have ever had, stay strong.

ca June 8, 2011 (7:30 am)

where was he? how did you find him? did he return on own…police etc? Glad he is home!

JVC June 8, 2011 (7:39 am)

I watched for updates yesterday and shared it with my son when he got home. I am so HAPPY your son is home safe.

I wouldn’t expect a full detailed explanation but as a mother of a 17 y/o,it would be nice to know some info in case something like this occurs to other families.

I’m glad you can breathe again!

bigjimbob June 8, 2011 (9:57 am)

Right on!

sks June 8, 2011 (10:10 am)

I am thrilled to hear it! I went home and hugged my boys super tight after reading your post yesterday.

Eilene Hutchinson June 8, 2011 (11:26 am)

Thank God your son is back – what a frightening ordeal for you! We are so glad this has ended with him returning home safely.

I Wonder June 8, 2011 (11:28 am)

A story with a good ending. How nice for a change!!

maplesyrup June 8, 2011 (12:38 pm)

That’s great. So…are we allowed to ask where he was?

April June 8, 2011 (1:37 pm)

I am very glad to hear he is home safe. And I realize there are probably personal details that the mother doesn’t want to share… but it would be nice to know some very basic information about how he went missing and how he was returned to his family, especially since there was police involvement. If there is a threat out there to public safety, it would be helpful to know that for other West Seattleites… or if there’s NOT a risk to public safety, that would be good to know as well, if this was simply a personal family issue that sorted itself out.

onceachef June 8, 2011 (2:38 pm)

Very happy he’s home safe. In regard to “what happened”, once an entire community is asked to be “on alert” then it might be time to share some insights about the incident, if only to help another parent or guardian avoid the same pitfalls that led to Casey’s disappearance….life is complicated so there should be no judgement about this…it’s great that it turned out the way it did.

Liz June 8, 2011 (5:35 pm)

So happy to see he is back home! Even my kids asked me to check the blog every day for updates. Good news!

shed22 June 8, 2011 (6:36 pm)

Enquiring minds do want to know …

I imagine it was just the kid taking off for personal reasons, but if it was something nefarious (coercion, abduction), let us know. Upon reading the original post, Jeremy Peck came to mind.

Happy to know Casey is safe.

shadowblind June 8, 2011 (7:27 pm)

I agree with shed22. We’re very happy that Casey is home safe, but PLEASE let us know if there is anything for the rest of the community to worry about.

Recall McGinn June 8, 2011 (7:27 pm)

Excellent news, I am happy to hear it!

Thank you WSB for making West Seattle a community that cares about it’s neighbors.

April June 8, 2011 (10:22 pm)

I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner with details and we were trying to respect Casey’s request for privacy. We hadn’t slept for so long so much of today was lost to that. I want to report that I don’t think there is a public threat to worry about that we know of and we did get a response from an SPD detective first thing this morning. We were happy with the SPD response and with the response of High Point security. Casey was ultimately found in West Seattle by his dad who was doing drive-arounds. Casey said that he was on his way back home at the time – I will let Casey decide what further details to share about his experience. I think it helped to get the word out, put up tons of flyers around the neightborhood and pass them to local businesses. We also went to the SW Precinct personally to ensure that officers coming on shift all had copies of the flyer. This helped get his picture out earlier than paperwork, picture, etc, would likely have been processed. We were fortunate that I was able to stay at home the whole time in case he returned and we had family to do all of the running around with regard to flyers and such, and his dad was able to do near constant patrols the entire time…exhausting but worth it. Casey was having a much more difficult time than we knew about. I thought we had very open communication in our household so I can’t stress enough to other parents that, after this, I won’t hesitate to be more aggressive about ensuring that the information I hear from my son is accurate and hope that other parents will do the same. We are going to have a lot of work to do as a family and to try to prevent my son from ever feeling again that running away is a good option. We are just grateful that we have a runaway to recover from and do not have to mourn the loss of a son, which I can only imagine a parent could never recover from. Casey will leave a comment about what he thinks may be helpful for parents and/or teenagers as well as what made him decide to come back home.

ddb June 9, 2011 (10:33 pm)

I followed this since the very beginning, and after reading all of these comments, I found myself agreeing with the others, who were wanting to know more details. Human nature; however I appreciated the way all of you “worded” your curiosities. I just want to thank you, April, for being so strong and yes, even THoughTful, how you actually took the time out to reply to our need for closure as well as to let us know even the smallest of details of your personal story in order to let our worries subside! I love West Seattle for these reasons of everyone watching out for your neighbors! Thank God, that your son is ok, and we all are thinking of you even in the future that you never have to experience that again! Good job Casey, for realizing what this might have done to your family! We are thinking of you as well!

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