SUBJECT: Frequently Asked Questions About The Layla Santanello Case
DATE: March 4th, 2024
CASE #: 23-012961
 |
Q: What has the Kingsport Police Department done in this investigation?
A:
- The KPD has obtained and served over 30 search warrants.
- Entered Layla in VICAP, an FBI database and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS).
- Conducted a search of 562 Dale Street (residence of Layla Santanello and Michael Thompson) by search warrant on August 4th, 2023.
- Over 25 subpoenas have been issued.
- 6 ground searches have been conducted which included the use of drones, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), and K-9.
- Holly Bobo Act, which provides the support of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Numerous interviews.
Q: Is this case related to the Hollynn Snapp case?
A: No, Kingsport Detectives have collaborated with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and have discovered no evidence to support these cases are related.
Q: What other agencies have assisted with this investigation?
A: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Other agencies have assisted with ground searches to include: Sullivan County Emergency Management, Kingsport Fire Dept, Kingsport Life Saving Crew, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, Hawkins County Rescue Squad, Church Hill Rescue Squad, Washington County Rescue Squad, Johnson City Fire and Rescue, and Unicoi Rescue Squad.
Q: What is the Kingsport Police Department doing next?
A: This case is a priority for the KPD. Detectives are still pursuing all leads and tips. If anyone has any information pertaining to the disappearance of Layla should call 423-343-9780 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Q: Was Layla last seen at Marble Slab?
A: No. Early in the investigation, Detectives and Agents believed she was last seen at Marble Slab based on several witness statements. Detectives and Agents followed the lead and eventually learned that the woman who was seen at Marble Slab was not Layla. They confirmed that information through phone records as well as identifying the woman and interviewing her.
Q: Where was Layla last seen?
A: Layla was last seen on June 27, 2023, at approximately 6:15 am, in a field next to Americourt (1900 American Way, Kingsport, TN).
Q: When was Layla reported missing?
A: On June 27th, 2023.
Q: How long has Layla been missing?
A: Since June 27, 2023.
Q: Is Layla’s disappearance connected to any other missing persons cases?
A: No. There has been no evidence to connect Layla’s disappearance to any other missing person’s case.
Q: Is the Michael Thompson arrest related to Layla’s disappearance?
A: No. There is no evidence to suggest that Thompson was related to Layla’s disappearance. Michael Thompson was charged by the Sullivan County Grand Jury with Extortion and Identity Theft based on evidence collected throughout this investigation related to the Cash App requests that had been sent to several of Layla’s family members and friends after she was reported missing.
MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name: Layla Santanello
Age: 20
Gender/Race: Female/White
Height/Weight: 4’10″/135
Hair/Eyes: Blonde/Brown
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Last Known Location: In the area of American Way
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Johnson
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov
