NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa — Fourteen-year-old Enci Wu, also known as Aubrey, who was reported missing from Palmer Township on January 10, 2025, has been found safe in Georgia, authorities announced Tuesday.
Northampton District Attorney Stephen Baratta confirmed at a press conference that local law enforcement in Jasper, Georgia, located the teen on Monday, April 14.
Baratta reported that Wu was found without physical injuries and required no medical attention.
“Everyone here in this room along with her family are relieved that Enci is without injury right now,” Baratta said during the announcement.
Wu is currently under the care and custody of Georgia Child Protective Services.
The Pennsylvania and Georgia authorities will coordinate her return through the Interstate Compact for Juveniles, which requires her custody to be transferred to Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services before eventually being placed with Northampton County Children and Youth Services.
According to Baratta, the teen had altered her appearance, including dyeing her hair blonde and changing its length. He described Wu as “very intelligent and very sophisticated” and said she “was careful to conceal her whereabouts.”
The District Attorney noted that Wu may have been “moving around” in Jasper and had “established relationships with several people” during her time away from home.
Georgia authorities are investigating the circumstances of her residence there and “the quality of the relationships she had,” but no charges have been filed at this time.
Wu’s mother, Jade Wu, and stepfather, John Gehrmann, expressed relief in a social media video posted to the “AubreysNOTfound” Facebook group. “I’m just very happy knowing that she’s alive and fine,” Jade Wu said in the video.
According to the parents, a tip came in during their live social media session, which led to the discovery of Wu’s location.
The tipster provided five photos that helped them identify their daughter, who had been active on social media with “over 2,000 followers” on one particular account.
Multiple agencies were involved in the search, including Palmer Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, Homeland Security, and Jasper Police Department.
Baratta indicated that when Wu was initially reported missing, her parents cited “emotional and behavioral issues” and “tension in the house with regard to the parental restrictions” as possible reasons for her departure.
Jasper, Georgia is described as a small town of about 4,000 residents located approximately 60 miles north of Atlanta.
The district attorney emphasized that investigations are ongoing, including looking into allegations made on social media regarding “human trafficking” and concerns about Wu’s relationships, though he stated, “At this point, we have no evidence that would suggest that charges will be filed.”
Despite the relief of finding Wu safe, authorities stressed that significant work remains to be done.
“This announcement, although we’re relieved, is not celebratory because there’s a lot in front of us yet that needs to be done,” Baratta said. “The investigations remain.”
Officials indicated that determinations about Wu’s future custody arrangements will be made following evaluations by Northampton County Children and Youth Services, which may refer the matter to Northampton County Juvenile Court if necessary.
