RAPID CITY, S.D. – Absent new information, the search for Serenity Dennard is being suspended.
The nine year old ran away from the Black Hills Children’s Home in Rockerville almost two years ago on February 3, 2019. Snow and freezing temperatures hampered the search that evening and the following days.
Multiple agencies assisted in the two year long search including ground, water and air support and with K9 teams from across the United States. Some 1,528 personnel from more than 66 agencies logged approximately 6,000 miles looking for Serenity.
Trained K-9s and their handlers searched the area on some 220 occasions. Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team divers were brought out numerous times and the area was searched by air seven times. Local and national media coverage and social media raised awareness of the case regionally and across the nation.
Investigators looked into 275 leads in South Dakota and throughout the nation with the help of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. As part of the investigation, 538 people were interviewed and/or contacted.
The Black Hills Children’s Home and all area homes and outbuildings were searched numerous times. Six search warrants were executed.
The investigation will remain open and officials encourage the public to report any new information or tips.
The sheriff’s office announced on their Facebook Page that “Our collective thoughts and prayers remain with Serenity Dennard’s family.”
