She used another child as a distraction and ran. Temperatures were below freezing, and she was wearing only a t-shirt.
The Disappearance
On February 3, 2019, 9-year-old Serenity Dennard vanished from the Black Hills Children''s Home, a residential facility near Rockerville, South Dakota. While playing in the facility''s gym, she used another child as a distraction and ran from the building. A staff member, unable to leave the other children unsupervised, stayed behind and called for help rather than pursuing her directly.
Dangerous Conditions
Temperatures were below freezing at the time, and Serenity was wearing only a long-sleeve t-shirt, jeans, and snow boots. The surrounding area is heavily wooded and rocky, and known to be home to mountain lions, complicating both the conditions she would have faced and the search itself.
Background
Serenity had been adopted in 2014 after spending two years in foster care following her biological parents'' imprisonment. Her adoptive parents told investigators she had a documented history of running away, including packing a bag and leaving home at night on prior occasions.
The Search
Search efforts were hampered by the extreme cold and heavy snow in the days following her disappearance. On May 1, 2019, cadaver dogs reportedly picked up a scent in the area but did not lead to a discovery. The case drew significant public attention, including from a former South Dakota state lawmaker who organized online groups and fundraising efforts questioning the adequacy of the search and the children''s home''s practices -- attention that led to a no-trespass order after a dispute with another involved party. The leadership of the Children''s Home Society, which operates the facility, faced public scrutiny in the aftermath, and its director announced plans to retire later that year.
Where the Case Stands
Serenity has never been found. Investigators have not publicly confirmed a theory of what happened to her.
FAQ
Has Serenity Dennard been found?
No. As of the available information, she remains missing.
Why did the search face such difficulty?
Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and rugged, heavily wooded terrain hampered search efforts in the days after her disappearance.
Who should be contacted with information?
The Pennington County Sheriff''s Office at 605-394-6115.