In a deeply troubling case, 10-year-old Gabrielle Terong has been missing since June, with the investigation into her disappearance revealing alarming details about her mother, Pasha Davis. Newly released body camera footage from Margate, Florida, shows police officers attempting to detain Davis on October 17 for alleged shoplifting. Despite her refusal to cooperate, facial recognition technology later confirmed her identity. This incident marked the first time authorities became aware of Gabrielle’s disappearance, which had gone unreported for months.
The investigation began when officers responded to a report of Davis allegedly shoplifting at a Dollar Tree. Upon confronting her, officers noted she matched the description of the suspect and found her in possession of a pizza from Little Caesars. After a contentious exchange, Davis was detained pending a criminal investigation. However, it was only after her arrest that it was revealed Gabrielle had not been seen since May.
Gabrielle’s absence was not reported until October, when her father, Gordon, learned of Davis’s arrest and contacted authorities. He stated he had not heard from his daughter since May. Davis, when interviewed in jail, claimed Gabrielle was with her father, but this was later contradicted when police found no evidence to support her assertions. As a result, Davis was charged with child neglect after authorities determined that Gabrielle’s whereabouts were still unknown.
The circumstances surrounding Gabrielle’s disappearance have raised significant concerns. According to reports, she was last seen with her mother at a Greyhound bus station in Orlando. Gabrielle’s family has a history of instability, with her aunt revealing that Davis suffers from mental health issues and has been frequently homeless. This troubling backdrop has led to questions about how Gabrielle could remain unfound for such an extended period, especially considering she is a minor who should have been attending school.
Experts in child welfare emphasize the need for systemic improvements to prevent children from going missing unnoticed. The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by unhoused children and the gaps in reporting that can allow such situations to persist. When asked about the investigation, law enforcement officials expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from Davis, who had not provided any useful information regarding her daughter’s last known whereabouts.
As the search for Gabrielle continues, a $5,000 reward is being offered for information that could lead to her recovery. The community remains on alert, with local authorities urging anyone with knowledge of her situation to come forward. Davis is currently being held in Broward County Jail and has a competency hearing scheduled for November 26.
This case highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable children and ensure that those responsible for their care are held accountable. As investigators work tirelessly to locate Gabrielle, the hope remains that she will be found safe and sound.
