Right:Age-Progression by NCMEC to 19 years; 26 years; 33 years
Right:Age-Progression by NCMEC to 19 years; 26 years; 33 years
Name: Celina Janette Mays
Case Classification: Endangered Missing
Missing Since: December 16, 1996
Location Last Seen: Willingboro, Burlington County, New Jersey
Date of Birth: May 28, 1984
Age: 12 years old
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Height: 5'0"
Weight: 120 lbs.
Hair Color: Black, long and wavy
Eye Color: Brown
Nickname/Alias: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: 9 months pregnant at time of disappearance
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Available
Clothing: Red coat
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Unknown
Celina was last seen on December 16, 1996, at her home on Crestview Lane. Celina had gone to the Gospel of Christ Ministries Inc church services in Mount Holly with family members. Afterwards they came home for dinner. Without explanation, Celina told a cousin "Thanks for everything." A few hours later, Celina, nine months pregnant and due to give birth December 29, stuffed a pillow into her bed and disappeared into the night.
At the time of her disappearance, Celina lived in a crowded communal home with her father, his sister, and over a dozen other family members and members of the church founded by her aunt. Her mother had passed away in 1994, and there was a bitter custody battle between her father and mother's family members.
Celina did not take any extra clothing with her and left all her personal items, including purse, and prenatal vitamins, at home.
Her father believes Celina ran away because he told her that the baby would be tested to determine who the father is.
Celina has not had any contact with family members since her disappearance.
Agency Name: Willingboro Police Department
Agency Contact Person: Det. Monica Pogorzelski
Agency Phone Number: 609-877-3001
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 963520625
Agency Name: Burlington County Bridge Commission Police Department
Agency Contact Person: Lt. Tim Ryan
Agency Phone Number: 609-685-4391
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: N/A
NCIC Number: M986381735
NamUs Case Number: MP6370
NCMEC Case Number: 827787
NamUs
NCMEC
The Times (Trenton, NJ) - Sep. 4, 1997
New York Daily News - Sep. 23, 1999
Added: 08/20/08; Last Updated: 1/22/22 - By: hb
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information is from the time of disappearance.
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