Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN  37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department

Members of the organized search didn’t locate any evidence tied to the Santanello case.

More searches will be conducted at a later date.

As previously released:

On August 15, 2023, the Kingsport Police Department in conjunction with Sullivan County Emergency Management, TBI, 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 are conducting a search in the area of East Stone Commons in connection to missing person, Layla Santanello.

Officials will be searching the area for any evidence connected to the disappearance of Layla Santanello. The Kingsport Police Department does not require further volunteer assistance at this time.

Expect to see a large police presence in the area of East Stone Commons and E. Stone Drive. The public is asked to use caution when traveling through that area.

The Kingsport Police Dept. will be setting up its Mobile Command Post during this operation in the parking area of  the old Tuesday Morning (1409 E. Stone Drive).  KPD will have a representative to speak to the media at 1:00 PM at the Kingsport Police Command Post.

As previously released:

Layla Santanello was last seen in the vicinity of East Stone Commons shopping center in Kingsport (2003 N. Eastman Rd.) around 12 PM on 6/27/2023.  Layla was last seen wearing a white tank top, black leggings, and no shoes.

Kingsport Police and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are asking any witnesses that might have seen or spoke with Layla to please contact the Kingsport Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429, (423) 343-9780 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

As previously released:

Update: The investigation into the missing person, Layla Santanello, is still active. Detectives are following all leads and are asking for any information or assistance from the public in locating her. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Layla Santanello, please call Detective Bill Clare at (423) 343-9780 or the main detective line, (423) 229-9429.

As previously released: On June 27, 2023, Layla Santanello was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department by a family member who was unsure of her whereabouts and concerned for her welfare.

Layla is a 20-year-old white female adult with brown hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighs roughly 150 pounds. Her photograph is included in this release.

Anyone who sees her, or may potentially know her current location, is asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

Weight

150 pounds

Brown eyes

                       Corporal Brandon G. Johnson

   Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

                 Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749 

                       brandonjohnson@KingsportTN.gov