Marysville detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating the whereabouts of 9-year-old McKinsley Cheyenne Ellis. The child was taken by her biological mother during a recent supervised visitation.

The father of McKinsley, who has full custodial rights, reported to police that his daughter was being visited by her mother, Tawnya Ellis on the afternoon of Thursday, July 13.  At some point during the visitation, Ellis was left alone with the child and subsequently fled the area with her.

It is believed Ellis may have left the Snohomish County area, possibly en route to the Central Washington area, or to Nevada.  Ellis’ recent escalating desperate behavior is very concerning to both police and child welfare advocates.

Tawnya Ellis, 38, is a Marysville resident. She is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes.

McKinsley is approximately 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 80 pounds.  She has brown eyes and red shoulder-length hair.  She was last seen wearing a light blue t-shirt, jean shorts, and blue Crocs.

Anyone who believes they have located McKinsley are asked to call 911 immediately.  If you have recently seen either Tawnya or McKinsley, or have any information that could prove useful in locating her, please call Detective Perry at 360-363-8350.