TBI says Chattanooga teen missing since 2019 could be in New Mexico

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said based on new evidence, a Chattanooga teen missing since 2019 may be in New Mexico.

Daphne Westbrook, 17, was added to the TBI Missing Children website in Oct. 2019 after she did not return from a weekend visit with her non-custodial father, John Westbrook.

Photos placed the teen’s father John Westbrook and the vehicle they are believed to be traveling in, in Santa Fe, New Mexico in October.

In early March, TBI officials reported Westbrook and her non-custodial father were believed to be in Florida. According to TBI, findings likely place the two in Florida the first week of March.

Daphne is described as 5′3″, 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

The TBI says, in June 2020, Hamilton Co. authorities secured a warrant charging John Westbrook with Custodial Interference.

On Feb. 23, 2021, a Hamilton Co. Grand Jury indicted John Westbrook, charging him with Aggravated Kidnapping in connection to Daphne’s disappearance.

John is described as 6′4″, 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Authorities believe John may have traveled to the western U.S. with Daphne. TBI says John has known contacts in Colorado, New Mexico, California and Washington.

If you see Daphne Westbrook or John Westbrook, or have information about their relationship or disappearance, call 423-209-7415 or 1-800-TBI-FIND, or email TipsToTBI@tn.gov or FindingDaphne@hcdatn.org.

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