Missing Girl Hid Out In Lake Elsinore Area

A 16-year-old Murrieta girl who has been missing for nearly two weeks was found safe last night after it was discovered she had been hanging out in the Lake Elsinore area.

Alexandria "Lexi" Canestrelli returned home on her own at about midnight, said Murrieta police Sgt. Robert Anderson in an email to Patch.

"She said she had been staying in the Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar areas and was OK--not a victim of any crimes," the sergeant said.

The family could not immediately be reached Thursday morning for comment.

A candlelight prayer vigil was planned today in San Diego for the missing girl. She left her Murrieta home Oct. 21 and had not been in contact with family, according to her mother, Kristen Canestrelli.

Lexi was listed as an endangered runaway on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children registry. and other agencies had been underway since her disappearance.

Though police said Lexi had run away before for four hours, Kristen said it was unlike her daughter to be gone so long and not be in contact with her family.

"She has never been gone overnight," Kristen said prior to her daughter’s return. "When it comes to hot or cold weather, she doesn't do well, and she is afraid of the dark.”

Family and volunteers had been canvassing the Murrieta and San Diego areas with fliers, as well as searching both places.