Arrest made in kidnapping case
Photo submitted
Amy Michelle Leal
By LPD Chief Pat Burton
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at approximately 12:39 a.m., a Licking police officer responded to a report of a juvenile missing from his residence on Kimble Road.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officer learned that the juvenile had left the residence at approximately 12:30 a.m. During the investigation it was determined that the juvenile had prior communication with a second juvenile from Phelps County and an adult to flee the area.
Working in conjunction with the Licking Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla FBI office and Missouri State Highway Patrol participated in the investigation and both juveniles were located and returned to their parents on Monday, June 16.
The suspect, Amy Leal, age 36, of Waynesville, Missouri, was arrested and formal charges are being sought through the Texas County Prosecutor’s Office for kidnapping-first degree.
The above information is just mere accusations and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of any charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
