Tips sought to find missing Ypsilanti Twp. teen

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s officials are working to find a missing 14-year-old Ypsilanti Township girl believed to be in danger.

Relatives last saw Shanijah Christionna Payne about 4:30 p.m. Thursday at her home in the 1200 block of Lexington Parkway, investigators said in a statement.

When the youth failed to return, her mother and grandmother "received a group text demanding a ransom be paid" to ensure she did, the release read. "All efforts to locate or contact the Shanijah have been met without success."

Shanijah is described as 5-foot-8, 240 pounds, with dark hair pulled back in two braided ponytails. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, camouflage pattern shirt, dark pants and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office at (734) 994-2911 or (734) 973-7711. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK UP (1-800-773-2587).