GONZALES, Texas – Jan. 29, 2024 – The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information regarding the whereabouts of Scarlett Smith, a 14-year-old girl last seen in the 15700 block of West US 90 A, Gonzales, TX at approximately 11:00 PM on Jan. 29, 2024. Scarlett is described as a white female with hazel eyes and red or auburn hair. She is about 54 inches tall and weighs approximately 187 pounds. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a red Nike hoodie.
The primary suspect in this abduction is Barry Van Mersbergen, also known as Ben, a 22-year-old white male. He has brown eyes and brown hair, stands about 62 inches tall, and weighs around 160 pounds.
They may be traveling in a brown 2012 GMC Terrain with Texas license plate number 3RVWG.
The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to call (830) 672-6524 immediately.
