Des Moines teen missing in Mexico since 2023

Des Moines teen vanishes in Mexico amid travel warnings

Shelbie Dwyer left on a road trip for Tijuana, Mexico more than a year ago, and her family hasn't heard from her since. The FBI has joined the search for the missing teen.

DES MOINES, Wash. - A road trip to Mexico that began in March 2023 left the family of Shelbie Dwyer in a prolonged state of distress.

Shelbie, now 18, hasn't been heard from by any family members in over a year. The FBI has now taken over the investigation, hoping to bring her back home safely.

Shelbie Dwyer's mother, Stacy Hurt, has been pleading for any information about her daughter's whereabouts. "Where's my little girl?" she asked.

Shelbie left for Tijuana in March 2023 with someone she trusted, assuring her mother that she would be gone for only a few days. She kept in touch initially, calling and sending pictures of her trip. However, the last communication from her was on March 29, 2023, when she was in Guamuchil, Sinaloa.

"She just disappeared," Hurt said.

FBI officials believe that Shelbie may have taken a flight to Guadalajara and then to Culiacan, Sinaloa. "After two days, her phone didn’t ping," Hurt said.

The area was under a travel advisory at the time, with the Department of State warning against travel due to widespread crime and kidnappings.

Image 1 of 8

▼

Shelbie Dwyer ((Courtesy of Dwyer family))

The teen’s parents reported her missing shortly after her disappearance.

After 14 months with no leads, the FBI stepped in to assist local authorities with the search. Supervisory Special Agent Steve Vienneau expressed concerns regarding her whereabouts, noting the frequent travel advisories for Americans in the region.

"We’re concerned because, when Shelbie left, she was 17; while she’s 18 now, that's a vulnerable age for anyone to be traveling in a foreign country," Vinneau said.

It's unclear who Shelbie might have left with, and while she is legally an adult, her age still places her in a vulnerable position. Sinaloa is not typically a popular destination as it is notorious for criminal organizations, like the Sinaloa Cartel, operating there.

"I don't think she knew she was going to a dangerous place," Hurt said. "Now, she’s missing."

The FBI, in collaboration with Mexican authorities, is working diligently to spread awareness and gather information that could lead to her safe return. A $5,000 reward has been announced for any information leading to Shelbie's whereabouts.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Shelbie's reasons for traveling to this part of Mexico, Stacy refuses to give up hope. She remains determined, believing that someone might know something.

Hurt urges anyone with information, no matter how little, to come forward in the hopes of reuniting with her daughter.

"I love you, keep strong, little girl," Hurt said. "You’re going to come home, I promise you. Just be strong."