MURFREESBORO, TN ( WGNS) - An Endangered Child Alert has been issued for a missing Murfreesboro teenager, and local authorities are asking residents throughout Rutherford County to be on the lookout the teen. According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, 16-year-old Kaiya Jackson was last seen on Friday (10/23/2026). Investigators are working to determine her whereabouts and are encouraging the public to come forward with any information that could help bring her home safely.

Kaiya is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing a white long-sleeve T-shirt, tan cheetah-print pajama pants and a gray hoodie.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has joined local authorities in the search effort by issuing an Endangered Child Alert. Such alerts are used when law enforcement believes a child may be in danger or when circumstances surrounding a disappearance raise concerns for the child's safety and well-being.

As word of the alert spreads across Murfreesboro and neighboring communities, authorities hope that someone may have seen Kaiya or recognize details that could assist investigators. Law enforcement officials often stress that even seemingly minor observations can become important pieces of information in missing persons cases.

Residents are encouraged to check home security cameras, doorbell camera footage and any other recordings that may have captured activity in areas where Kaiya may have traveled. Friends, classmates and community members are also being asked to remain attentive and report anything that could aid the investigation.

Missing child cases generate significant concern across the community, and local authorities are counting on the public's assistance as they continue their efforts to locate the teen.

Anyone who has seen Kaiya Jackson or knows anything about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Murfreesboro Police Department at 615-893-1311. Information may also be provided to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND.