A special-needs teen reported missing Saturday returned home early Monday, but the case is not closed yet. Authorities are working to find an online friend the Covington teen left home to meet.

Family members said Emily Miller, 14, disappeared from her home late Saturday. Her aunt, Amy Norton, described her as having the mental capacity of an 8-year-old with the body of a 20-year-old, susceptible to being taken advantage of.

“There are so many child predators out there,” Norton told Channel 2’s George Howell.



Missing Autistic Teen Left For Online Meet-Up


She said Miller may have been lured away from her home by a stranger she had been chatting with on Skype. Newton County Sheriff’s investigators later confirmed her suspicions.

“She met this person online, whom she doesn’t know, so there is a very strong chance she could have been harmed. We’re glad she’s back home safe,” Sheriff’s Lt. Tyrone Oliver said.

Investigators said Miller was dropped off at her home around 12:30 a.m. Monday. After interviewing her, they said she willingly met up with the stranger, but it is unclear where they went.

Deputies were working to identify the person Miller was with. Although she left voluntarily, authorities are seeking to charge the stranger because she is underage.