13-year-old Payton MacDonald has been missing since mid-March, with her father in jail after not cooperating with an investigation into her whereabouts. (RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MISSING GIRL

Search for missing Ladysmith teen escalates

Mar 31, 2022 | 11:42 AM

LADYSMITH — Police are still unsure on the whereabouts of 13-year-old Payton MacDonald.

She was last seen March 15, with Ladysmith RCMP asked to conduct a wellness check on the girl a day later by the Ministry of Child and Family Development on a sailboat she was believed to be living on with her father.

Payton was not found, while her father, Bryn Kirk MacDonald was arrested for disobeying a court order, according to police.

The father has been in and out of jail in recent weeks for failing to cooperate with authorities and help with locating his daughter. He was released from custody March 18, only to be arrested again March 23 for again failing to abide by a court order.

He remains in custody ahead of an April 5 court date.

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Police are appealing to the public for information on Payton’s current location, with the Vancouver Island District RCMP General Investigation Section working with the local detachment on the case.

“Investigators believe Payton is with someone known to her father and we are appealing to the public to assist so we can verify her safety and well-being,” a release from Cpl. Alex Bérubé read.

Police also squashed social media rumours Payton was on camp for spring break.

“What we also know is that there is a 13-year-old girl who is still missing, and there are many people who are worried about her safety,” Staff Sgt. Darrell Sandback said from the General Investigation Section said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215.

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