A Jenks sophomore has been missing for seven days. His mom thinks the recent deaths of three of his classmates played a part in his disappearance.
Sonya Lange says her youngest son, Elijah Nathaniel Carr, just 15 years old, is in mourning. Three of his classmates died in the span of six days in separate instances. "The one that unfortunately committed suicide, was a good friend of his," Lange told Tulsa's Channel 8.
Police say it's typical for teens to have trouble dealing with death. They're looking for Eli and say they don't suspect foul play. "He left a note nothing to make us believe he wanted to hurt himself or anything like that. He just needed time away," said Detective Cory Myers.
Lange says seven days is too much time away.
"At this point where just concerned that something really bad happened," she explained.
Still she's holding on hope that he will come home. Until his return, his room is just as he left it. It's typical teenage turf, full of trophies, school work, and a few things that make Eli unique.
His mom says if he can hear her plea this is what she'd say, "I just need to know you're okay. You're not in trouble. There's no repercussions. This is a fresh start, and we need you home."
Police believe the teen is still in the Tulsa area, and that some of his friends know where he's hiding. Investigators believe he took off in his dad's 2011 Honda Civic four door. It's silver with light tint. There's a reward for Eli's location.
If you know where he is, police urge you to call the Missing and Exploited Children Hotline at 1-800-843-5678.
