URGENT SEARCH FOR MISSING 16-YEAR-OLD MARWA BARAKZAI IN NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA – FBI NOW INVOLVED 5825

The Newport News community is in shock and mourning as they continue their search for 16-year-old Marwa Barakzai, a student at Menchville High School, who has been missing for 10 days. Marwa was last seen on the evening of March 19, 2026, and despite the collective efforts of the Newport News Police Department, the FBI, and the Virginia State Police, she remains unaccounted for.

Marwa boarded her school bus as usual that afternoon, but instead of getting off at her usual stop, she asked the driver to drop her off at a different location. The driver complied. However, Marwa left her backpack on the bus but took her school-issued Chromebook and some papers with her. After being dropped off on Fontaine Road around 6 PM, surveillance footage confirmed that Marwa walked away without showing any signs of distress. Her Chromebook was later discovered discarded at the bus stop, but since then, there has been no confirmed contact with her.

The investigation into Marwa’s disappearance has escalated to a significant level of urgency, and the public’s help is now crucial in solving this case. Authorities have utilized every resource available to find Marwa. Virginia State Police issued a formal CODI Alert on March 21, specifically designed for cases involving a child whose disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety. The Newport News Police Department has coordinated efforts with the FBI, Virginia State Police, drones, bloodhound tracking teams, surveillance footage analysis, and even organized neighborhood searches.

At the press conference, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew addressed Marwa directly, expressing the community’s care for her. “I just want her to know that we care about her,” Chief Drew said. “No one’s mad at you, you haven’t done anything wrong.” He continued by acknowledging that while investigators believe Marwa is a runaway, there are still unknown aspects of the case that need clarification.

The disappearance has also taken on particular significance, as it occurred during the end of Ramadan, right before the important celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a time of gathering for Marwa’s Muslim community. Marwa’s family, her school, her mosque, and her entire city are united in their search, hoping for her safe return before Eid passes without her.

Marwa is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black and white hijab, black pants, and black sneakers with white soles.

The level of community support for Marwa’s safe return has been incredible. The Muslim community in Newport News came together at the Peninsula Islamic Community Center to distribute flyers and coordinate efforts. Volunteers from Black Lives Matter 757 also helped push for the issuance of the CODI Alert. The entire Newport News area, including Hampton Roads and the rest of Virginia, has been called upon to keep an eye out for Marwa.

If you have seen Marwa or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please immediately contact Newport News Emergency Communications at (757) 247-2500 or dial 911. Additionally, the Virginia State Police CODI Alert page is available for anyone who may have seen her or has helpful information.

Her family, friends, and the entire community are desperate for answers. Ten days have passed since Marwa was last seen, and the search continues. Please look at Marwa’s photo, share this post, and help spread the word. Someone knows something. Your information could be the key to bringing Marwa back home before Eid.

Here’s what you need to know:

Please share this post widely and help bring Marwa home. Every share could make a difference.