Missing Teen Bayleigh Reese Found Safe in San Antonio

Former Stepfather Investigated in Disappearance

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Sixteen-year-old Bayleigh Reese, who had been missing for over three weeks, was found safe in San Antonio on Tuesday morning, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. The recovery was the result of an investigation led by the U.S. Marshals Service's Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, which determined that Reese's disappearance may have been linked to her former stepfather.

Why it matters

The search for Reese involved a broad coalition of law enforcement agencies, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities treat missing persons cases, particularly those with potential connections to individuals with a prior relationship to the missing person. The recovery of Reese is a relief to the community and her family.

The details

Reese was located during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Bexar County by a Texas DPS trooper assisting the U.S. Marshals Service. She was then transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for medical clearance and is awaiting her return to Corpus Christi. The investigation determined that Reese's disappearance may have been linked to her former stepfather, leading to the involvement of the Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force.

  • Bayleigh Reese was last seen leaving her family's home in Calallen on January 16.
  • The Nueces County Sheriff's Office initially requested assistance from the Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force on February 2.
  • The Gulf Coast task force requested assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force on February 3.
  • Reese was found safe during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Bexar County on Tuesday morning.

The players

Bayleigh Reese

A 16-year-old girl who was missing for over three weeks before being found safe in San Antonio.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that led the investigation and recovery of Bayleigh Reese.

Nueces County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that initially requested assistance in the search for Bayleigh Reese.

Debbie Wishard

Bayleigh Reese's grandmother, who publicly pleaded for her granddaughter's safe return.

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What they’re saying

“We love you Bailey. Grandma needs to hug you.”

— Debbie Wishard, Bayleigh Reese's grandmother (3NEWS)

What’s next

Further investigation will occur regarding the circumstances surrounding Bayleigh Reese's disappearance and the potential involvement of her former stepfather. The U.S. Marshals Service has indicated this remains a developing story and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The takeaway

The recovery of Bayleigh Reese is a relief to her family and the community, and highlights the importance of multi-agency collaboration in missing persons cases, particularly those with potential connections to individuals with a prior relationship to the missing person.