The Memphis community is in a state of deep concern and urgency as the search intensifies for 14-year-old Alia Shempert, who was reported missing Friday afternoon, July 18, 2025, under suspicious and disturbing circumstances. Her family has confirmed that they believe Alia has been kidnapped, and they are pleading with the public for help in bringing her home safely.
According to the Memphis Police Department, Alia was last seen around 4:25 p.m. in the 4300 block of Jamaica Drive, located in the Berclair neighborhood. Witnesses reported seeing the teen getting into a black or dark gray Tesla, which was being driven by an unidentified white male. Several other individuals were also reportedly inside the vehicle.
The circumstances of the encounter remain under active investigation, and police have not yet confirmed whether Alia entered the vehicle willingly or under duress. However, the discovery of her personal belongings discarded nearby — including her phone, iPad, and Cash App card — has escalated fears that the teen was abducted.
Alia Shempert is described as:
- Age: 14
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches
- Weight: Approximately 160 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Last seen wearing: A black shirt, black pants, and pink Puma slippers
The vehicle in question is described as a black or gray Tesla, model and license plate number unknown. Authorities believe it may still be in the Memphis area or surrounding regions.
The Memphis Police Department’s Missing Persons Bureau is leading the investigation, working around the clock to track leads and gather surveillance footage from the area. Officers have canvassed neighborhoods and are urging anyone who lives in or near Jamaica Drive to review doorbell or security camera footage from the afternoon of July 18.
Alia’s family is devastated and desperate for answers. “This isn’t just a runaway,” a relative said. “She left everything behind. Her phone, her tablet — everything. That’s not Alia. We believe she was taken.”
How You Can Help:
- If you saw anything unusual in or around the 4300 block of Jamaica Drive around the time of Alia’s disappearance — even something that didn’t seem significant — report it immediately.
- If you have a security camera, dash cam, or doorbell cam in the area, review your footage from Friday afternoon between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m.
- If you spot a vehicle matching the description of the black or gray Tesla, do not approach. Call authorities and report the sighting immediately.
Contact Information:
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Alia Shempert, please contact:
- Memphis Police Department: (901) 545-COPS (2677)
- Missing Persons Unit: (901) 636-4479
Every moment counts. Alia’s family, friends, and community are praying for her safe return and are urging everyone to stay alert and share her story. Use social media, community forums, and neighborhood groups to spread the word using the hashtag #FindAliaShempert.
Please — help us bring Alia home.
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