UPDATED Dec. 8, 2022

The mother of missing SHS freshman Samantha Humphrey started a Gofundme page to help search for her daughter.

Samantha disappeared on Nov. 25 in the area of Riverside Park in the Schenectady Stockade section.

Police told the Daily Gazette on Wednesday that they were searching the Mohawk River in their ongoing investigation.

Jaclyn Humphrey, Samantha’s mother, started her efforts to raise $5,000 on Dec. 1 to hire an investigator and an attorney in the case, according to the Gofundme page. They had raised $1,720 as of Thursday afternoon.

Police had been searching for a second SHS freshman, Hajile Howard, as of Dec. 1, according to a public letter from Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. Police told the Gazette they had been in contact with Hajile over the weekend. They said they did not believe the two cases were linked.

Soler said anyone with information about the case can help by talking to a trusted adult in the school or by calling the police department’s non-emergency line 518-630-0911.

UPDATED Dec. 7, 2022

Police still searching for Samantha Humphrey

by Cameron Adams, Phoenix Editor-in-Chief

As of Wednesday afternoon, police were still searching for a Schenectady High freshman who disappeared on Thanksgiving.

Samantha Humphrey, 14, was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 in the area of Riverside Park by Schenectady’s Stockade section.

Police had also been searching for a second SHS freshman. Hajile Howard was reported missing on Nov. 9, but police were in contact with her last week, according to the Daily Gazette. Police said the two cases were not related.

In a public letter on Dec. 1, Superintendent Anibel Soler Jr. said the district is working with police to help locate Samantha.

“We understand that this situation may be difficult for our students due to what they may be hearing on tv or reading on social media, and they could be experiencing a range of emotions,” Soler said. “Our team of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists are always available to help students.”

If you have information regarding the case, you can talk to a trusted adult in the school or call the police non-emergency line at 518-630-0911.

Dec. 4, 2022

Two Teens Missing

by Shiasia Blenman, Phoenix news editor

Two Schenectady High School teenagers were reported as missing recently, Superintendent Anibel Soler Jr. said in a public letter Dec. 1.

The missing girls, Samantha Humphrey and Hajile Howard, both 14, are freshman.

The district is working with Schenectady Police Department´s Youth Aid Bureau and asking for assistance within the community in locating both girls, Soler said.

¨The safe return of Samantha and Hajile is our top priority and any assistance would be of great help towards the investigations that is currently underway,” Soler said in his letter.

Soler asked that anyone who has information regarding the case talk to a trusted adult in the school or call the police department non emergency number at 518-630-0911.

Student Support Services are being offered to help students, staff, and families, Soler said.

-30-