UPDATE: Tyler teen found safe

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, November 20, 2024

UPDATE, 1:20 P.M. FRIDAY, NOV. 22: Lily has been located and is safe, police confirm. Here’s the latest story.

The search for 17-year-old Tyler resident Lily Pepper continues as investigators have yet to discover any information leading to her whereabouts, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said.

“At this time, our detectives have followed leads that have come in, but nothing has come to fruition,” Erbaugh said on Monday afternoon. “If anybody has any information on where Lily Peppler might be, heard where she might be, or you’re a friend of hers, and she told you something that we might need to know, please contact us.”

The teen was last seen over two weeks ago at 8 a.m. Nov. 1, walking away from Tyler Legacy High School (4500 Red Raider Dr.) and in front of Mardel (4700 S. Broadway Ave.) at Independence and South Broadway.

Police stated there is no evidence of foul play in Lily’s disappearance. Indicators of foul play, such as disheveled belongings, signs of a fight or statements suggesting imminent harm or an assault, have not been found in connection with the case.

“This is not saying there is no foul play. It’s just we have no evidence that there is at this time,” Erbaugh said.

In cases of a missing person, law enforcement follows a process to track down leads and gather information. They begin by investigating locations the person is known to frequent, speaking with friends and family and reaching out to anyone who may have had recent contact with the individual.

If new information emerges, they deploy search teams, drones and collaborate with search organizations to explore specific areas.

The last place Lily was seen was at school, and police have already contacted school officials and officers within the Tyler ISD Police Department for details. If any tips suggest a potential location, resources are directed to those areas. However, unless new leads emerge, the focus remains on the last known location.

Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward. Additionally, Lily has been entered into a national database, so if she is found anywhere in the country, officers will be alerted to her status and contact local authorities.

Lily is about 5-foot-3, weighs 100 to 105 pounds, has black/brown hair with brown eyes. If you see Lily or know where could be, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.