Name: Jakarah Lopez-Moore
Age: 16 years old
Last seen: August 25, 2023
Location: Rochester, New York
Status: Found deceased on October 14, 2023
Case Information
16 year old Jakarah Lopez-Moore was last seen in Rochester, New York on August 25, 2023. She disappeared after leaving home and hasn’t been heard from since.
Disappearance
Jakarah Lopez-Moore was last seen leaving her home on Weld Street in Rochester, New York on August 25, 2023. She told her grandmother she would be right back, but never returned.
Her family says it’s unusual for her to leave without contacting anyone.
Investigation
Jakarah’s phone was turned off less than 24 hours after she disappeared. According to her family, her phone last pinged at Clinton and Andrews Streets.
Authorities believe she frequently visits the area of Dewey Avenue and Reynolds Street.
Found Deceased
Jakarah Lopez-Moore was found deceased in the woods behind 5 Vanguard Parkway on October 14, 2023.
Her cause of death was determined to be homicide by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Authorities don’t know how long Lopez-Moore’s body was in the woods, but it was “in a state of decomposition in which a scientific identification was required.” No further details have been released.
Arrest Made in Jakarah’s Murder
On February 23, 2024, Rochester police announced that 27 year old Regin Tapiato had been arrested for the killing of Jakarah Lopez-Moore.
The complaint states that Tapiato took Jakarah into the woods on August 27 and shot her in the head. He has been charged with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
He was transported to the Monroe County Jail and is expected to be arraigned on February 24, 2024.
On September 6, 2024, Tapiato pleaded guilty to manslaughter. On November 4, 2024, Tapiato was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Appearance
Biracial female with brown hair and brown eyes. Jakarah stands 5’2 and weighs 120 pounds.
Clothing & Accessories:
Jakarah was last seen wearing a stressed denim jean jacket with white writing on the back, black pajama pants with a white stripe down the leg, and a dark colored top.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jakarah Lopez-Moore please contact the Rochester Police Department at (585) 428-6720, or email RPDTipline@CityofRochester.gov.
News & Media Links
Police Continue to Search For Missing Teen – Rochester First
Police: Girl, 16, Missing From Rochester Since August 25 May Be in Danger – WHAM
RPD is Still Searching For Girl, 16, Who Went Missing in August – News 10
Police Renew Call for Help Finding Missing Teen from Rochester – WHAM
Videos & Flyers
If there was white writing on the back of her jacket , what was written on it , or was it of an offensive , that family do not want to disclose ? .
Was she involved in drug ‘ s , or a cult in anyway sex / human trafficking ? .
Is there a particular place that she would liked to have gone , other than that already mentioned ? .
What could have caused her disappearance leading up to it ? .
Does she stay permanently with her grandmother , or on holiday , does she have younger / older siblings ? .