In a brief but reassuring update, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has informed the public that Biyonca Roy-Freeman, the 35-year-old woman reported missing since September 2024, has been found safe. The relief that comes with such news can’t be overstated, as concerns for her well-being had grown since she was reported missing by her family on November 11. This outcome reflects the best possible end to an all too common narrative of disappearing loved ones leaving communities anxious.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department did not provide details on where or how Ms. Roy-Freeman was found, but they did express their gratitude for the community’s help in a social media post which stated, “UPDATE: Ms. Roy-Freeman has been located and is safe. We appreciate the community’s assistance! #STL”, acknowledging the crucial role of the public’s vigilance in these situations; the collective eye that watches, waits, and sometimes finds what is lost. No further information has been released regarding Ms. Roy-Freeman’s condition or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and return.
While the report of her disappearance was circulated, the police asked for immediate contact should anyone have seen her, and also encouraged anyone with additional information to reach out to the SLMPD’s Missing Persons Unit. The prompt to act, to not hesitate if you see someone that fits the description of someone missing, is a testament to the power of community engagement that can often turn the tide in favor of finding those who are lost…