The Torres family hopes that with the community’s help, they can bring their 16-year-old missing daughter home

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Family and friends of a missing Live Oak teen came together last week, desperate to generate awareness for their missing loved one, hoping to bring her home.

Michelle Torres, 16, of Live Oak has been missing since May 8^th of 2021. Two months later, she is still gone and there has been little traction in her case or media attention until recently. Her parents, Rosalva and Miguel Torres attempt to elaborate on that and explain through translator and Michelle’s aunt, Erica Benitez, why they believe that is.

According to the Torres, Michelle, a straight-A student at Live Oak High School, had run away from home earlier in what seemed to be a rebellious response to disciplinary action taken by her family. She was located later that day at a friend’s home. Michelle is missing - run away again, and this time her family fears that she has fallen in with a bad element and or may be afraid to come back. They reported her missing and the case is being handled by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department but, allegedly, Michelle has been classified a “runaway.” The family says that they are being told that because she left her home willingly, she is not considered to be in danger. Regardless, her family wants Michelle back home and is rallying to get the word out.

Self-proclaimed activist, Ray Leno, reached out to the family and has been working with them to bring more attention to their cause. Last Wednesday, July 7^th, a day shy of the two-month-missing mark, Leno organized a gathering of friends, family and supporters at the Acro Super Power Mart Gas Station in Live Oak and with bullhorn in hand, they marched through town shouting “bring her home” and posted “Missing” flyers. It worked. People stopped and asked what was going on, traffic honked in support, and Michelle’s name began to pop up on more Facebook feeds.

The Torres family confirmed that they believe Michelle was seen in the area June 24^th, and hopes that with the community’s help, they can bring their 16-year-old missing daughter home. “I love her a lot. And what I am doing is because I love her and because I want to find her,” says her mother Rosalva holding a sign that asks, “Where are you Michelle?” just before the Wednesday march.

Michelle Torres is a 16-year-old, Hispanic female, weighing 100 lbs. with a height of 5’5”. She went missing with longer hair and may have cut it short. She may also go by the alias birthdate of 12-8-2005. If you have seen Michelle or know where she is, please contact the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office at 530-822-7307.