GREENBELT, Md. (NewsNation) — An urgent search is underway for a beloved Maryland school teacher who has been missing for nearly 10 days.
Mariame Toure Sylla, 59, disappeared on July 29 around 8 p.m. She was believed to have been last seen on a walk and hasn’t been heard from since.
Sylla’s friends say her disappearance is just bizarre.
A vibrant and visible part of her neighborhood, Sylla is well-loved by her community, where she has been volunteering and teaching at a French immersion school for over a decade.
Students, parents, friends and other members of the Greenbelt community came together at a vigil over the weekend, hoping and praying they can bring Sylla home safely.
The Greenbelt Police Department (GPD) said the 59-year-old was last seen near her home in Greenbelt, which is about 15 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
Investigators said Sylla typically went for a daily 30- to 45-minute walk at a nearby park before sunset. Authorities believe she vanished at some point during that walk, but as of now have offered no official theories as to what or who may be behind her disappearance.
Sylla is a Black female approximately 5 feet, 5 inches in height and 135 lbs, according to the GPD. There is no clothing description available.
The investigation has been challenging, Greenbelt police said, but they’re thrilled by the massive outpour of support from the community. The police department has also reached out to surrounding departments for any possible leads.
Police ask that if anyone comes into contact with Sylla, or if anyone has any information about her disappearance at all, to contact Detective Davis at (240) 542-2134, ddavis@greenbeltmd.gov, or the Greenbelt Police Department at (301) 474-7200.
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Greenbelt Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is currently investigating a missing person identified as Mariame Toure Sylla. (Credit: Greenbelt Police Department) -
Greenbelt Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is currently investigating a missing person identified as Mariame Toure Sylla. (Credit: Greenbelt Police Department) -
Greenbelt Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is currently investigating a missing person identified as Mariame Toure Sylla. (Credit: Greenbelt Police Department)