Authorities in Big Spring, Texas, issued an AMBER Alert on June 24, 2026, for a missing 14-year-old girl, though the case was resolved within hours when the teen was located safe.
Audrey Rich, described as a white female with brown eyes and blue hair, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds, had last been seen on June 18 at around 10:50 a.m. in the 1100 block of East 14th Street in Big Spring.
At the time she went missing, she was reportedly wearing a gray shirt, black pants, and pink Crocs.
Two suspects were named in connection with the alert: Steven Rich, 48, described as a white male with blue eyes and brown hair, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 230 pounds, and Melissa Rich, 49, a white female with brown eyes and blonde hair, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds.
Case Resolved Same Day
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Audrey Rich was found following the alert’s issuance on June 24.
Details surrounding the circumstances of her recovery, including her current condition and whereabouts at the time she was located, have not been fully released by authorities.
The Big Spring Police Department has been contacted for additional information regarding the case, including whether any arrests were made in connection with the alert.
AMBER Alerts are issued by law enforcement when a child is believed to be in imminent danger, and the swift resolution of this case reflects the system working as intended in many circumstances, where public awareness and tips can lead to a rapid recovery.
Residents in the Big Spring area and across the broader Permian Basin region were urged to stay alert and report any sightings during the hours the alert remained active.
Community on Alert During Search
In the time between the issuance of the AMBER Alert and the news that Audrey had been found, local stations and news outlets shared her photo along with descriptions of the two suspects, urging anyone with information to contact the Big Spring Police Department directly or call 911 if the teen was spotted.
The alert prompted concern throughout the community, with many residents sharing the information on social media in hopes of helping authorities track down the missing teen quickly.
This incident comes amid a string of other public safety stories making headlines in the region this week, including ongoing investigations and search efforts tied to separate cases in nearby San Angelo.
Local crime reporting in the broader West Texas area has remained active, with police departments fielding multiple cases simultaneously, from theft investigations to more serious incidents.
As of now, no further updates have been released regarding charges against Steven Rich or Melissa Rich, or the precise nature of their alleged involvement in Audrey’s disappearance.
Authorities have not detailed whether the two suspects are relatives of the teen, despite sharing her last name, and that relationship has not been officially confirmed.
Anyone with further information related to this case is encouraged to reach out to the Big Spring Police Department at 432-264-2550.
Residents are reminded that if they believe they have spotted a missing child connected to an active AMBER Alert, they should contact 911 immediately rather than attempting to intervene directly.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available from local law enforcement officials.
