Local single mother reported missing

BARSTOW • A 30-year-old single Barstow mom was reported missing on Friday after San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies discovered her orange Honda Element abandoned in Hesperia.

Leisa Ann Hurst had a class scheduled at the University of Laverne satellite campus at Victor Valley College on Thursday evening, according to a police report. Police are still investigating whether Hurst attended her Thursday class.

The last sign of Hurst before she was reported missing was Thursday at about 11 p.m., according to a police report, when her cell phone was used in Hesperia. Detectives were able to locate its signal in the vicinity of a cell tower on Mariposa Road. Investigators have no further details on that call, Libby said.

Hurst’s car was found in the area of Olive Street and Second Street in Hesperia with no signs of damage or forced entry, according to Barstow Police Det. Keith Libby. The car’s windows were down and its key was still in the ignition, according to a police report.

Debra Walsh, Hurst’s mother, who lives in Arizona, said Hurst was studying to become an elementary school teacher. Hurst, a single mother, has a 12-year-old and 8-year-old daughter. Walsh said she and other relatives are currently in Barstow caring for the children.

“This is completely unusual,” Libby said of Hurst’s disappearance. “She hasn't left her kids for any extended periods of time.”

Walsh said she spoke regularly by telephone with Hurst, who lived in an apartment complex on Muriel Drive. Their last conversation happened last week and Hurst was talking about getting over a flu, Walsh said.

Hurst is described as 5 feet 6 inches and 130 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police believe that they know someone who may have some connection to the case, according to Libby, but could not provide further details because the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to contact Det. Keith Libby at 760-256-2211. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or leave information on the WE-TIP Web site at www.wetip.com.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or
cnguyen@desertdispatch.com