Reachelle Smith

Reachelle Smith was too young to understand all that was happening in her life. The sandy-haired three-year-old only knew the love she had for her aunt and legal guardian, Stephanie Smith. Reachelle and Stephanie lived in Minot, North Dakota. A friend of the family, 22-year-old Leigh Cowen, also lived with them. Samantha Smith, Reachelle's biological mother, would periodically stop in to visit her daughter.

About 10:30 p.m., on May 16, 2006, young Reachelle was put to bed. Early the next morning, the girl was discovered to be missing. Cowen was also gone. A panicky Stephanie immediately called the Minot Police Department to file a missing person report. A search for Reachelle and Cowen was initiated and investigators questioned the missing girl's aunt, mother and neighbors. "The following day, she was nowhere to be found," said Minot Police Sergeant Winston Black.

Authorities learned that Reachelle was an asthmatic and needed her medication. An Amber Alert was issued. Concerns for her safety grew. "Because she's traveling with a stranger and not a blood relative, there's a possibility she's in danger," said Minot Police Captain Al Hanson. More than 200 people, police, search dogs, National Guard troops, and people on horseback and all-terrain vehicles searched for the missing child, but no sign of her could be found. The search expanded statewide and to adjoining states. Investigators believed Reachelle could be in Kansas with Cowen. "That's where his family is," said Hanson. "We have no other reason to believe he's going anywhere else. Yesterday is when he disappeared. We've been in contact with authorities in Kansas."

Cowen was a known felon out on probation for property theft in Ward County. In June, he missed a scheduled visit with his parole supervisor. A parole violation warrant was issued for his arrest. Cowen often tried to pass himself off as Reachelle's father, but tests proved he was not. It is believed that he took Reachelle and fled in a stolen teal-green 1995 Chevrolet Astrovan with damage to the front-end and North Dakota license plate numbers HAY548.

While searching a wildlife refuge northwest of Minot, authorities found the missing van with the dead body of Leigh Cowen inside it. It appeared as if he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. There was no sign of the missing Reachelle. An extensive search of the area was conducted. "At this point, there's no indication that the girl was around that area," said Captain Hanson. Helicopters were brought into the search and a National Guard spokesperson commented that, "We're not going to give up hope that she's still alive, but we have to be realistic at this point and then look at those other options too, so we're still hoping she's alive some place and will turn up that way." Authorities and Reachelle's mother and aunt pleaded for public help in locating the missing girl. Flyers and posters were circulated statewide. "Right now, we just want her back," said a tearful Samantha.

Law enforcement authorities are still searching for Reachelle Smith. The child is considered to be missing and in extreme danger. Anyone with information on her whereabouts and/or this case is urged to immediately contact the Minot Police Department (1-701-852-0111).

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