A 13-year-old girl, Dhianna Renee Hughes, who was reported missing from West Des Moines on May 24, 2025, has been found in Jefferson County, Tennessee, nearly 600 miles from home. The West Des Moines Police Department (WDMPD) has released new details about the case, although they are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Dhianna was last seen late on the evening of May 24, around 11:30 p.m. near the Country Club Village Apartments in West Des Moines. Authorities quickly mobilized, launching a search for the teenager, and her case quickly drew attention from local and state law enforcement.
The Discovery in Tennessee
Dhianna was located on May 26 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, about two days after her disappearance. While the police have confirmed her location, they have not revealed any further details about how she managed to travel so far from home. Authorities believe she was not alone during the journey, and investigations are underway to understand how she ended up in Jefferson County.
The distance between West Des Moines and Jefferson County raises questions about how Dhianna traveled, who may have been involved, and why she left home. The case is being handled by the WDMPD in collaboration with local law enforcement in Tennessee, as they work to uncover further details about the situation.
Ongoing Investigation
West Des Moines police have expressed concerns over the safety of minors, especially in light of this incident. While Dhianna has been located, the investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance is ongoing. Authorities have not yet disclosed how she made it to Tennessee, nor have they revealed any information about the individuals who may have been involved in the situation.
“We are working closely with law enforcement in Tennessee to get a clear picture of how this occurred,” said a spokesperson for the WDMPD. “The safety and well-being of our community members, especially our youth, remain our top priority.”
The case has raised concerns in the community, sparking discussions about the safety measures in place for children, particularly when they go missing. Local residents are being encouraged to report any suspicious activity, and the WDMPD is actively seeking any information that could help further their investigation.
Why This Case Matters
Cases like Dhianna’s disappearance are a stark reminder of the importance of community awareness when it comes to child safety. The West Des Moines Police Department is urging the public to remain vigilant and report anything that could be relevant to investigations of missing persons.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), children who go missing without explanation are often at risk of being abducted or exploited. The timely reporting of missing persons can significantly increase the chances of locating them safely. Dhianna’s case has become a call to action for local communities, as authorities emphasize the need for collaboration between law enforcement, families, and the public.
Seeking Information from the Public
While Dhianna has been safely recovered, police are asking anyone who may have seen something unusual in the days leading up to her disappearance or while she was missing to come forward. The public’s help could be crucial in piecing together the details of the case.
“We ask anyone who may have seen something or has any relevant information about this case to contact us immediately,” the WDMPD spokesperson added.
The WDMPD has set up a tip line for the public to report any information. Local law enforcement officials are urging community members to stay vigilant, especially during school breaks and summer months, when young people may be more susceptible to risky behavior.
