Teen Missing From LAX Suffers From 'Diminished Mental Capacity:' LAPD

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities are asking for the public's help finding a 16-year-old girl described as having "diminished mental capacity" who went missing Wednesday at LAX.

Zahira Boydston was last seen at LAX Terminal 7 Wednesday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Boydston suffers from "diminished mental capacity" and takes medication daily. She was released Monday from a lockdown treatment facility to the care of her adoptive parents, in whose custody she was placed eight years ago, police said.

Police believe Boydston may be attempting to reunite with her biological mother, who is not allowed near her under the terms of a restraining order, the LAPD said.

The 16-year-old is described as Black with black hair and brown eyes. She is 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 240 lbs. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black undershirt, gray pants and black boots. She may be wearing prescription glasses, police said.

Critical Missing

Zahira Boydston was last seen today at Sepulveda & Century from LAX Terminal 7.

Zahira is 16 years old with a diminished mental capacity and takes medication daily.

Any info please contact LAPD Detectives at (213) 810-7912.

See flyer for more details. pic.twitter.com/jd61f3WA4Z
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 18, 2024

Anyone with information about Zahira's whereabouts is asked to contact Pacific Area juvenile detectives at 310-482-6366. During non-business hours or on weekends, callers should contact 877-527-3247.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 800-222-8477.