Superintendent Mike Matthews has sent three emails to parents in Manhattan Beach about Leah Kritzer, an MBMS student who has been missing since Sunday.  All of those emails are below.  The Manhattan Beach Police Department providing information as well.  All MBPD press releases and picture are attached.  Thanks to all who are helping in this search.

Mike Matthews

Update #1

Dear Parents,

I am writing to let you know that Leah Kritzer, a 14 year-old Manhattan Beach resident and student at MBMS, has been missing since Sunday afternoon.  She was last seen walking her dog on the beach, and there has been no contact with her since that time.  I have spoken with her mother and she is asking that all of us be on the lookout for her. There is a concern that she may have met a person online, as her parents found her posing as an adult in chat rooms.  Both the police and the FBI are now involved in this case.  

Leah is 5 foot 7 inches tall with braces and blond hair with orange tips.  Her picture is below.

Anyone with information was urged to call Manhattan Beach Police at 310-802-5140.

Please see the attached link for more information from a KTLA report last night.

As you can imagine, this should be our community's highest priority.   I know it is mine.  Thank you for doing what you can and for keeping your eyes open, and I will keep you informed.  

In care,

Mike Matthews

Update #2

Hello MBUSD Parents,

Thank you to your outpouring of support for our missing student.  I spoke with Leah Kritzer's mother and she is very appreciative of everyone's sentiments and wishes.  I continue to be in touch with the Manhattan Beach Police Department.  As always, I am appreciative of their constant support for our safety.  I have attached a copy of their press release.  I think that one of the key lines in the press release is, "There is no evidence that Kritzer has been abducted or foul play is involved. Investigators are currently following up on leads."  I have every confidence in our law enforcement and I remain optimistic.

Many of you have spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, email and word of mouth.  Thank you.

Some of you have asked for something you can post.  I have also attached a missing person flyer generated by MBPD.  This is something you can to post physically or virtually.

So thanks again to all of you for your support.  I will keep you posted.

Update #3

Hello again MBUSD parents,

Please see the most recent press release from MBPD on Leah Kritzer.  They have found a picture taken with a male who may have knowledge of her whereabouts. Please take a look at their information and do what so many of you have done, get the word out and let's see what all of us can do.  My thanks to surrounding school districts like Redondo and Hermosa who have reached out and have provided this information to their parents as well.  

Mike Matthews