Turquoise Alert leads to safe recovery of missing Apache Junction teenager

GLOBE, Ariz. - A 13-year-old Apache Junction girl at the center of the June 23 Turquoise Alert has been found safe. 

What we know:

Apache Junction police say they found both the suspect and teenager in Globe, all thanks to that Turquoise Alert. Authorities stated she appears to be doing well, but there are still many questions as to what happened.

The backstory:

Police reported this all started on June 19 outside the Circle K on Superstition Boulevard in Apache Junction. Following an argument with family members, the teenager reportedly refused to get into the family’s car and walked away. 

Detectives say the gas station’s surveillance video shows her getting into the suspect’s, an adult man’s, car before it drove off. 

Big picture view:

As investigators learned more information, it was decided the case met the criteria for an Endangered Person alert, which was upgraded to a Turquoise Alert. After it was sent out on June 23, tips started piling in, and authorities were able to identify the suspect, eventually finding him in Globe the morning after the alert was sent. 

Through more tips and an interview with that suspect, they found the teen, also in Globe, about four hours later. 

While police cannot release much more about the case due to the ongoing investigation, they did say it appears the man was a stranger to the teen and did not take her by force. They say the tips from the public were absolutely crucial in finding her.

What they're saying:

"I wanted to say 100% without that Turquoise Alert, she would not have been found. I want to thank the citizens of Arizona very much for all the tips that came in. We quickly identified the male she was with, and then about four hours later, we were able to locate her," Commander Michael Beaton of the Apache Junction Police Department said.

Apache Junction Police Department statement

 The Apache Junction Police Department is grateful to report that 13-year-old Skyler Conville has been located safely in Globe, Arizona and reunited with her family.

This investigation involved detectives, SWAT personnel, patrol officers, and our law enforcement partners, who worked around the clock following leads, conducting interviews, and serving multiple search warrants in Apache Junction, Mesa, Globe, and Miami. Their efforts ultimately led to Skyler being found safely.

We would like to thank everyone who shared the Turquoise Alert, our missing person posts, and submitted tips throughout the investigation. The Turquoise Alert, combined with the overwhelming response from our community, generated invaluable leads that played a critical role in helping investigators locate Skyler safely.

While Skyler has been safely recovered, this investigation is ongoing and has transitioned into an active criminal investigation. Detectives continue to pursue additional leads and serve search warrants. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.

The Apache Junction Police Department is thankful that Skyler is safe and home with her family. If you have any further tips, please use our dedicated tip line at (480) 474-8585.

What's next:

Police say the suspect does have a criminal history and could be facing charges.