FOUND: Modesto teen missing, Center for Missing & Exploited Children asks for help
Update: Modesto Police Department spokesperson Sharon Bear confirmed Ornelas returned home at about 2 p.m. on Friday.
Natalie Ornelas, 17, was last seen on a home surveillance camera leaving her residence at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, wearing a black shirt with a green Monster Energy logo, a black zip-up hoodie, black shorts and “hot pink” fuzzy socks.
Ornelas is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair. She’s believed to still be in the Modesto or Turlock area, according to National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Ornelas’ mom, Samantha Hormozi, told NCMEC the family is “extremely worried for her safety” and said she may need medical attention. Hormozi also told NCMEC that Ornelas had never gone missing like this before.
“(Hormozi) shared that she just wants to know her daughter is okay and won’t stop searching until she is home safe,” an NCMEC release stated. “She urges the public to please come forward with any information regarding Natalie’s whereabouts.”
Ornelas’ case is featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring.
Anyone with information about Natalie or her disappearance is urged to contact NCMEC at 800-843-5678 or the Modesto Police Department at 209-552-2470.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 12:52 PM.
