Cops: Missing Girl May Be Getting Help

Police in Virginia say that in December 2006, 16-year-old Britni Elyssa Wells announced on her MySpace site she was planning to run away. On Jan. 2, 2007, Britni made good on her promise.

According to police, neither Britni's father nor her grandparents can conceive of a reason for Britni to run away. What police do know is that within three weeks of announcing her plans, Britni took off.

Family Asks For Help In Locating Runaway Teen

According to police, like many teens, Britni was going through a rebellious phase and didn't like being at home. Instead, cops say she preferred the company of like-minded teenagers. In her pursuit to fit in, cops say Britni found kindred spirits in the fanbase of a Michigan-based rap group.

"She is a fan of the rap group Insane Clown Posse," says Sgt. M.R. Tutor of the Norfolk Police Department. "This group may be helping her hide from her family."

According to investigators, the group, whose fans refer to themselves as Juggaloes and Juggalettes, tends to appeal to young people who feel like outsiders -- especially those looking for a surrogate family.

Police believe Britni was in a vulnerable state two years after the death of her mother and may have been drawn in by ICP's message. Police also believe that ICP fans are helping Britni hide from her family.  

The most recent photograph of Britni was taken at Lake Taylor High School and depicts a smiling and happy young woman. But what may have caused Britni to bolt from her family remains a mystery to those who knew her most intimately, say police.

Britni's family is heartbroken and desperate to find her.

She is a white female, about 4'9" tall, weighs 117 lbs., and has brown hair and brown eyes. Police say Britni may have dyed her hair blonde.