Family speaks out after missing teen found safe five years later

August 16, 2018

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -- Five years ago, a Southport teenager ran away from home.

Friends and family wondered where Emily Paul went, if she was OK and if they would ever hear from her again. Now, officials with the Bay County Sheriff's Office say Emily is safe and sound.

Emily Paul was just 14 years old when she ran away in 2013.

A few weeks ago, her family received letters from someone claiming to be Emily. After investigators confirmed Emily sent the letters, she contacted the sheriff's office on Tuesday.

Captain Jason Daffin, of the Bay County Sheriff's Office, said, "When I answered the phone, it was a female voice, claiming to be Emily Paul. I asked the female on the phone if she could explain to me who the letters were sent to and the contents of the letter."

Officials say the woman on the phone was able to explain the letters.

Daffin continued, "So, at that point, I felt pretty comfortable I was speaking with Emily."

Investigators passed along the information to Emily's family, who seemed to be relieved.

Melissa Parker, Emily's cousin said, "Knowing she's alive is a blessing like no other. We have spent so much time hoping and praying and dreaming and... you name it. Just knowing she's alive and she's safe and she's healthy is the most amazing news I can possibly imagine."

While Emily has only spoken to her family in letters, they hope to hear her voice again.

"I'm sure that when Emily feels comfortable, she'll reach out to us and get in touch with us," Parker explained.

Law enforcement still have questions but are happy to close the case.

Daffin continued, "I can't sit here and say I'll get a good night's sleep tonight because there's things I still don't know that I would still like to know. When the time's right and she wants to talk about anything, she's got a direct line to get in touch with me."

Bay County Sheriff's officials would not say where Emily is staying, but Captain Daffin said it is not in Florida.

August 15, 2018

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -- The Bay County Sheriff's Office says Emily Paul, who had been missing since 2013, is safe.

Deputies say the sheriff's office was notified that family members had received letters in the mail from Paul. Captain Jason Daffin then posted a video to Facebook, asking Paul to reach out to law enforcement to let them know she was safe.

Deputies say on Monday, Paul contacted BCSO. After a phone conversation, deputies requested Paul come to the sheriff's office or police department so officers could verify her safety.

About 30 minutes later, a second call came in to the sheriff's office from a police department, saying they had a woman in their lobby who claimed she was Paul. Paul told an investigator she was safe, had a support system and was happy where she was. Authorities say she appeared to be in good health and she had arrived at the police station by herself and left by herself.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday the missing person case of Emily Paul is officially closed.