Case Details

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This person was missing Missing Since 12/16/2011

Missing Since:

Missing Since 12/16/2011

Missing From:

Missing From Waterville, Maine

Classification:

Classification Endangered Missing

Gender:

Female

Race:

Race White

Date of Birth:

Date of Birth 04/04/2010 (14)

Age:

Age 1 year old

Height and Weight:

Height and Weight 2’9, 30 pounds

Clothing/Jewelry Description:

Clothing/Jewelry Description Green onesie pajamas with white polka dots and “Daddy’s Princess” written on the front. A photo of a similar outfit is posted with this case summary.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian female. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Ayla’s left arm was in a sling with a soft splint at the time of her disappearance.

Details of Disappearance:

Ayla vanished from her father Justin’s Maine home on December 16, 2011. He put her to bed at 8 pm, but she was gone when he woke up. Justin, his sister, his girlfriend, and their two children were all in the house that night.

Police found Ayla’s blood in several places in the house, suggesting an attempt to clean it up. Authorities believe the adults in the house aren’t being truthful. Justin hasn’t cooperated with the investigation.

Ayla’s mother, Trista, was in rehab when Ayla disappeared, and had just filed for sole custody the day before. Justin didn’t know about this custody battle.

Police found some mysterious items near the Kennebec River in 2012. Authorities concluded Ayla was likely dead, but not abducted. She was declared legally dead in 2017.

In 2018, Trista sued Justin for wrongful death, wanting answers and Ayla’s body. Justin denies involvement, claiming the blood was from a previous illness. In 2022, the lawsuit expanded to include Justin’s mother and sister, as Trista believes they were involved in Ayla’s death and a cover-up.

Despite the investigation, Ayla’s disappearance remains a mystery, and no one has been charged.

Agency:

Waterville Police Department 207-872-5551

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