Search For Missing Autistic Boy Intensifies

The search for 11-year-old missing autistic boy Terry Smith of Menifee entered its third day Tuesday after volunteers and law enforcement searched through the night.

Though law enforcement is focusing its efforts on a 16-mile radius around his family’s Helen Lane home—where he was reportedly last seen Saturday evening by his brother—a Riverside County sheriff’s official told Patch Tuesday they have actually searched 81 square miles.

The deputy said the last person to see Terry was his 16-year-old brother and that was Saturday evening.

“The mother left Terry with the 16-year-old brother on Saturday night at about 6 p.m.,” Martinez said. “Sometime around 7:30 p.m. is when the brother last saw Terry. The mother gets home that night, believes that she sees both of the kids sleeping, doesn’t think anything is out of the ordinary.”

At about 10 a.m. Sunday, the mother reportedly went to check on Terry. When she could not locate him, Martinez said she reportedly checked their property, which is about an acre in the 33000 block of Helen Lane.

“She contacted us at about 10:33 a.m. Sunday, and since that time our deputies haven’t stopped searching for him,” Martinez said, noting they are taking all possible sightings seriously and are following up on all tips.

Terry is described as blond and brown-eyed—not blue-eyed as initially reported—is 4 feet 8 and weighs 76 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue basketball shorts, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He may or may not be wearing a shirt and shoes, as Martinez said all of his shoes are still at the family’s home.

Martinez thanked the efforts of several hundred volunteers who have also been searching for Terry.

A volunteer command post has been set up at Menifee Market, 26035 Scott Road, just east of Murrieta Road. Local organizations such as Faithful Servants Outreach and Lilly’s House are organizing the citizen search from that command post, and donations and manpower for the effort have been pouring in from the community.

The groups have also set up a Facebook page, “Find Terry Smith.” The page is serving as a hub for announcements.

“We are extremely grateful that they are out there,” Martinez said. “Because with their help they have been able to hand out fliers to the people who are driving by.”

He advised those who do volunteer to stay hydrated, take a cellphone, not to go alone and to obey all laws.

“Our concerns are always out there for the volunteers,” Martinez said.

Terry is described as ADHD and highly-functioning autistic, but shy. He takes medication, and since he has been without it he may be overly sensitive.

Anyone who sees him was encouraged to not try and approach him, but to keep him in sight and call 911, the Menifee Investigations Unit at 951-210-1000 or the Riverside County sheriff's dispatch line at 951-776-1099.