Alyssa Smith, a 24-year-old woman from Illinois, was reported missing on September 30, according to Palatine police. She was on a trip to Chicago with her boyfriend, Jacob Ray Caso, who returned home alone on October 1. Smith last had contact with her mother, Rebecca Smith, three days prior to her being reported missing.
Smith was last seen in Chicago’s 11th district, specifically in the area between Cicero, Pulaski, and Madison. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, light khaki-colored pants, and white Adidas shoes.
The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are unclear. Caso, a tattoo artist from Crystal Lake, reportedly searched the area where Smith was last seen after returning home. Palatine police have received reports of possible sightings of Smith in Grant Park and Chicago’s West Side.
Smith's family has shared missing person posters that mention she may have had a black eye, although police have not confirmed this detail. Caso has made appeals on social media for information regarding Smith's whereabouts, stating, "Time to come home b. No one is mad at you."
He has also shared posters claiming Smith was identified in a TikTok video, though no additional context was provided. A post on Wednesday indicated that an anonymous tip suggested Smith might have been found alive, but Palatine Police have not confirmed this information.
Rebecca Smith emphasized that her daughter is still considered missing until she is located and can confirm her safety. She urged social media users to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of Smith's disappearance.
Alyssa Smith and Jacob Ray Caso have been dating since January 21, 2025, and recently celebrated their one-year anniversary.