La’Niya ‘Lala’ Clark, missing ‘deaf’ Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County teen found dead naked with trauma on body as Pennsylvania authorities come under criticism for not having being more pro-active in girl’s case after suggesting she was a run-away. No arrests.
A missing deaf 15-year-old girl year old girl reported missing in January was found deceased, lying naked, face down behind a vehicle in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania authorities revealed.
Notice of the grim discovery came after officers with the Wilkes-Barre City Police were called to the scene on Saturday, February 21 following reports of a ‘body found behind a garage,’ with suspected trauma.
The victim was identified as La’Niya ‘Lala’ Clark who was first reported missing by her family on January 17th after failing to return home.
How did deaf 15-year-old Luzerne County girl end up dead?
Investigators documented that her face, back, and arms appeared purple in color, which police believe may indicate bruising. Cuts were also reported on her body. A rope-like item was found around her right wrist.
Evidence collected at the scene included surveillance camera footage from nearby properties and items found near the body, including a pair of scissors.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning. As of the latest update, a cause of death has not yet been determined.
Nearby residence was now being investigated, including previous sex offender resident
The Citizen’s Voice reported that authorities were searching a four-unit apartment building about a half mile from where Lala’s body was found on Tuesday.
A search of registered Megan’s Law Offenders showed an individual with a history of rape and sexual assault living at that address.
‘I can say that many people from the apartment building are being questioned. But I cannot say they are targets or suspects,’ Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce said during a press conference.
At the time of her disappearance, Clark according to a Facebook release from the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department was described as being approximately 5’8 and weighing 150lbs, hearing-impaired, and typically wearing hearing aids.
The garage, close to where La’Niya’s body was found was just blocks away from where the missing deaf girl lived.
Loved ones described ‘Lala’ as she was affectionately known as kind and protective of others. They said she was fearless and full of energy and personality. She had dreams of building a future for herself and was deeply loved within her community.
La’Niya’s family criticize police for lack of urgency in her case
In the weeks after her disappearance, Clark’s family publicly expressed frustration over what they felt was a lack of urgency in the early stages of the investigation. They questioned why an Amber Alert was not issued and called for more aggressive search efforts.
Offered La’Niyah’s adoptive father, Antoine Clark, via WVIA, ‘Again, it was no urgency from the police department, because they labeled her as a runaway. It doesn’t matter if she was a runaway or someone took her, there should have been some kind of urgency.’
Woods said there were multiple factors that suggested La’Niyah was not a runaway. She said the teen’s clothes were laid out for school and that she had written a note to give to a friend.
Was deaf 15-year-old girl victim of sexual assault?
Following the discovery of her body, family members and supporters gathered outside police headquarters demanding answers and justice.
‘I need answers,’ Ameerah Woods, the victim’s adoptive mother, said, according to WBRE/WYOU. ‘I want to know what happened. I want to know why this happened, and I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.’
Investigators have not said what they believe happened to the girl in the days and weeks since she went met missing along with the cause and manner of death, including whether she was a victim of sexual assault.
Authorities have stated there is no indication of ongoing danger to the public, but the investigation remains active. To date no arrests have been publicly announced. It remained unclear if authorities had identified suspects in the case.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call Wilkes-Barre Police Detective James Conmy at 570-208-6775.
