It’s been almost two years since California teen Karlie Gusé disappeared from Mono County sometime during the early morning hours on October 13, 2018, and investigators say they are not yet any closer to finding her.
During a press conference in 2019, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office announced that investigations into Karlie’s disappearance will continue. However, they still have had no viable leads or tips that have led to her whereabouts.
Mono County Sheriff Ingrid Braud said the case remains a missing person investigation but authorities are “considering every possibility.”
“We are no closer to finding Karlie,” Braun said. “Should this develop into a crime, we do not want our investigation to be jeopardized in any way. Therefore, we will not release any information about what investigative actions have taken place.”
Karlie’s mother, Lindsay Fairley, who attended the press conference, said that there isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t think about her daughter. Karlie’s father, Zac Gusé, and stepmother, Melissa Gusé, were also in attendance.
Lindsay told CrimeOnline that she has always had a close relationship with Karlie, who was living with her father and stepmother when she disappeared. Lindsay said she has physical custody of Karlie, but when Lindsay moved, her daughter stayed behind at her father’s house in Mono County to attend high school with her friends.
Sheriff Braun said that the parents have been cooperative during the investigation, including stepmother Melissa, reportedly the last person to see Karlie before she disappeared.
“It was exactly one year ago today that I received your last text, not knowing it would be the last time I heard from you,” Lindsay said, directing a letter she had written to Karlie. “Two days after that I got a call that made this whole world go dark: the news of that my sweet rainbow baby had gone missing. I have so many questions, Karlie! What happened to you, honey? Where are you?”
Watch the full press release below.
One Year Anniversary of Karlie Guse’ Disappearance- The Search Continues!
Posted by Mono Sheriff on Friday, October 11, 2019
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Karlie is said to have disappeared between the hours of around 5:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Melissa Gusé previously told CrimeOnline she picked Karlie up the night prior in “town,” miles away from the family’s rural home on the outskirts of Bishop.
Melissa said she picked Karlie up alone at around 8 p.m., then drove her home near White Mountain Estate Road in Chalfant, which lies around 14 miles north of Bishop.
Karlie admitted to smoking marijuana on the evening of October 12 while out with her boyfriend and a few friends, according to Melissa, who said the teen seemed disoriented and “acted paranoid” when she picked her up. Melissa stated she eventually calmed Karlie down and even slept in her room with her all night to make sure she was OK.
At around 5:30 a.m. the following morning, Melissa reportedly woke up and when she looked over, Karlie was next to her, lying awake. Melissa said she dozed off again for a short period, then woke up at around 7:15 a.m to 7:30 a.m. to find Karlie missing.
There were no signs of forced entry into the home.
Both Zac and Melissa claim they have no idea where Karlie is, while Lindsay has her doubts about their story. During an appearance on Dr. Phil earlier this year, Lindsay said that the pair changed their timeline and version of events several times.
“I believe my daughter had a drug overdose,” Lindsay said through tears to Dr. Phil. “And I believe it because she was asking for help…And I believe very early morning Melissa saw her with her eyes open and I think that’s when my daughter passed.”
“They said nothing was wrong. I think there’s evil in Melissa and Zac’s house.”
Zac and Melissa deny the allegations and claim they want Karlie home just as much as anyone else.
Karlie did not have her cellphone or personal belongings on her when she disappeared. She may have left in a white shirt, grey pants, and Vans shoes. She stands 5-feet-7 inches tall, weighs around 110 pounds, and has light brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with any information on Karlie’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Mono County Sheriff’s Office at 760-932-7549, option 7. Alternately, contact the National Center for Missing & Endangered Children (NCMEC) at 800-843-5678 (800-THE-LOST).
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Here is a related episode.
[Feature Photo: Karlie Gusé/Provided]