A 16-year-old girl from the United Kingdom who ran away from her family while vacationing in Florida was found unharmed in Starkville Tuesday, and the young man she left with is now awaiting extradition to Florida.
The Starkville Police Department was contacted by Detective Jeremy Andrews of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department in Florida on Tuesday and told Master Sergeant Shawn Word that Amy Turner was believed to be in the Starkville area with 21-year-old Zachary Miller, of 516 Spruce Lane in Starkville.
Lakeland newspaper The Ledger reported Tuesday that Turner’s parents told officials they found a note Sunday that led them to call authorities.
SPD Detective Kenny Watkins said the two met online several months ago and over that time, formulated a plan to run away together when Turner’s family came to vacation in Davenport, Florida.
“He said they were in love,” Watkins said. “He drove to Florida, picked her up and brought her back here.”
The couple was found at Miller’s residence in Starkville Tuesday afternoon, and Watkins said they both fully cooperated.
Though no charges have been filed against Miller by the SPD, Florida law enforcement issued an unconfirmed number of Class 3 felony warrants for Miller, who is being held in the Oktibbeha County jail with no bond. Watkins said Miller will likely face an extradition hearing today.
Turner is being held at the Leflore County Juvenile Detention Center until her parents arrive.
Though it is has yet to be confirmed, The Eye, a lifestyle magazine from the U.K., reported in May that a 16-year-old girl named Amy Turner was missing from her home in New Marske. It was believed she had ran away.
Watkins would not comment on the incident reported in The Eye specifically, but said, “I understand she has a history of doing this kind of stuff.”
Polk County Detective Jeremy Andrews was unavailable for comment.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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