Martin, Longwood grad, missing

Published 3:26 am Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Recent Longwood University graduate Denise Martin has been reported missing in the Red Mill area of Virginia Beach since June 19. Friends and family members are continuing the search for her and are following tips and reports they have received.

Denise Martin

A news release from friends and family cited that Martin, 22, has been missing since 7:30 a.m. June 19.

“Denise is 22 years old, Caucasian, about 150 pounds, 5 (foot) 3 (inches),” the release noted. “She has a tattoo of the sun on her lower left shoulder/upper chest. She is most likely wearing black oval glasses, carrying a backpack, possibly wearing black shorts and a bright (red/orange) top.”

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City of Virginia Beach Dispatch Center confirmed it has received a missing person report for Martin.

The release cited that no foul play is suspect, but that it has not been ruled out.

“Friends and family are currently searching the area and coordinating efforts to spread the word about Denise’s disappearance in the hope that we can bring her safely home,” the release cited.

Chris Klinger, administrative assistant at the Longwood music department, confirmed that Martin graduated in May with a theatre arts degree, focusing primarily on the technical side of productions.

Jordan Stroud, Martin’s boyfriend, said in a phone interview Monday he drove to the Virginia Beach area after hearing of the report of her missing, and with friend Miriam Loya, have been searching the area and following tips and reports they have received about potential sightings of Martin.

“She was last seen in the Red Mill area,” Stroud said. “We’re just following up on possible sightings … until we get concrete proof of where she’s at.”

Friend Miriam Loya said in a phone interview Monday she helped organize search efforts for Martin, including calling friends who may have heard from or seen her. The search efforts were later supported by Martin’s friends from high school.

Loya said participants are currently following two leads that could indicate Martin’s whereabouts. She said while she could not disclose information about the leads, she said organizers are pursuing the leads in addition to spreading media awareness about Martin’s disappearance.

“We just want to know that she’s OK and that she’s alive,” Loya said.

Anyone with any information about Martin’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact (757) 419-9890.