Cobb County

Police: Missing teen with autism found, reunited with family

KENNESAW, Ga. — UPDATE: Cobb County police tell Channel 2 Action News that Jada Holmes was found Sunday morning by officers near Canton Road. She is in good health and has been reunited with her family, police said at 9 a.m.

Holmes' mother sent this statement to Channel 2's Wendy Halloran:

"She was with friends and scared to come home just wanted to thanks everyone that took the time out to help thanks so much she is safe and doing well."

An urgent search was underway for an 18-year-old woman with autism who disappeared July 5.

Jada Holmes was last seen at her home at the Colonial Grand at Shiloh Apartments at 1750 Shiloh Rd. in Kennesaw around 9 p.m.

Alicia Johnson, Holmes' mother, told Halloran that Holmes is highly functioning but has the mental capacity of a child.

"She might be 18, but she doesn’t have the mindset of an 18-year-old and it’s just bothering us, the social butterfly, we don’t know where she’s at," Johnson said.

On the night of July 5, police said Holmes walked away from the home she lives in with her father and stepmother and hasn’t been seen since.

Police said Holmes left her apartment on foot and was last seen wearing a blue Nike T-shirt, black tights and a black jacket.

Her family says she likes to go to fast food restaurants down the street from where she lives.
Homles hasn't been seen in 9 days, and Johnson said it is too much to bear.

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“That got me nervous," Johnson said.

Her family is desperately trying to help Cobb County police find her. Saturday, they passed out flyers at a nearby Walmart, pleading for help.

"People are getting tired, but I’m not going to stop until I find her," Johnson said.

Cobb County police said Holmes is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 215 pounds.

Johnson said Holmes has very short hair but could be wearing a curly wig and she might be carrying a bag.

Her mother does not know if Holmes has her cellphone with her, but said there’s been no activity on her known social media accounts.

"I just pray to God nothing has happened to her. That’s my biggest fear," Johnson said.

Her classmates at Sprayberry High School are tweeting for her safe return.

Her family said they would give anything to find her.

"When you look at that picture you see me. You see my smile," Johnson said. "I need my baby back home."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cobb County police at 770-499-3911.