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Wu, 14, of Palmer Township, Easton, who goes by Aubrey, vanished after climbing out of a bathroom window at her home on Jan. 10, 2025. Investigators later confirmed she was seen in New Jersey and at a Wawa in Whitehall Township on Jan. 11, but she has not been located since.
Her parents and volunteers have been tirelessly searching for her for nearly two months, particularly in the Allentown and Whitehall areas, where they say there has been little support or transparency from Palmer Police.
Community members recently searched Jordan Park after a rally near Panera Bread, with another meet-up planned for Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. in the Giant Shopping Center parking lot beside Members First Credit Union off MacArthur Road. All available support is encouraged and appreciated, organizers said.
Her family continues to believe she may be under the influence of adults and possibly involved in sex trafficking.
What Happened Before Her Disappearance
Wu had a long and emotional conversation with her family the night before she went missing, according to her stepfather, John Gehrmann. The discussion, held at a Popeyes restaurant and then at home, revolved around concerns her parents had about her honesty and recent behavior. Her parents, following their usual approach, did not raise their voices, make threats, or search her belongings. Instead, they encouraged open dialogue and self-reflection.
Later that night, they took possession of Wu's phone and disabled her school-imposed hotspot access, hoping to prevent her from using an unknown secondary device they had concerns about. They had planned to discuss this further after dinner on Jan. 10.
On the day she vanished, Wu was at home due to a school-in-home day. Her parents insisted she complete her schoolwork at the kitchen table instead of her bedroom, as they were wary of the mystery device. When she failed to complete an assignment by the 2 p.m. deadline, the school marked her with an unexcused absence. This notification was later referenced in the welfare check conducted by Palmer Township Police.
Mother's Plea For Action
Wu’s mother, Jade Wu, expressed deep frustration over the lack of updates from authorities. She stated that Palmer Police had promised an update earlier in the week but failed to follow through.
“We have been fully transparent, providing all relevant evidence and information to the police immediately,” she said. “But waiting in silence is unbearable. If we stay quiet, only two pairs of eyes and minds are searching for a girl who is incredibly smart and well-connected. That is not enough. We need awareness; we need people to see her face and know she is missing.”
Jade Wu also revealed that individuals who interacted with her daughter after she left home have not been forthcoming with police, instead threatening legal action against the family.
“These people spent time with Aubrey after she left home. If they are innocent, why haven’t they come forward? Why haven’t they given statements under oath?” she asked. “Instead, they continue changing their timelines and stories while we sit here in pain, heartbroken without our beautiful daughter.”
As time stretches on, she admits it has become increasingly difficult to remain optimistic about her daughter’s safety.
“I wake up every day knowing I have to live another day without my girl. It’s unbearable. I just want my daughter home.”
Legal Team’s Statement
Crouthamel Law Offices, representing the Wu family, released a statement urging the public to remain focused on the search for Enci Wu and to trust law enforcement agencies handling the case.
“Following today’s meetings, we have a clearer understanding of the ongoing efforts by all law enforcement agencies involved,” the firm said. “At this time, now more than ever, we are calling on Aubrey’s Army to remain focused on our shared mission—bringing Aubrey home.”
They acknowledged the frustration from the community but stressed that active investigations require confidentiality.
“Misinformation and speculation can hinder progress,” the statement continued. “Every piece of evidence is part of a larger puzzle, and law enforcement is working diligently to put it all together.”
The legal team also called for unity and patience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between investigators and the community.
“We urge everyone to refrain from directing frustration or negativity toward specific agencies or individuals. Maintaining strong relationships with all investigative bodies and community members is critical to finding Aubrey.”
GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Aid Search Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Enci Wu’s stepfather, John Gehrmann, to support efforts to bring her home. The fundraiser, titled Support Enci Wu’s Safe Return Home, has raised over $6,600 of its $12,000 goal as of Friday, March 7.
According to the fundraiser, donations will be used to:
- Hire a private investigator
- Retain legal representation
- Increase the Palmer Police tip reward
- Purchase advertising space to raise awareness
- Print signs and distribute materials
- Potentially fund travel to retrieve Enci if needed
“Mom and I are hard-working employees who serve the community and live life paycheck to paycheck balancing our past debts with the needs of day-to-day life,” Gehrmann wrote. “Our means are very limited, and we have already had the blessing of seeing total strangers step forward anonymously and contribute $7,000 to a reward from Palmer Police for any tips leading to her rescue.”
For those wishing to contribute or share support, the GoFundMe campaign can be found here.
Join The Search Efforts
Community members have also launched a Facebook group, Aubrey’s Not Found, to spread awareness, coordinate search efforts, and share updates on the case. Supporters are encouraged to join the group to stay informed and assist in the efforts to locate Enci Aubrey Wu.
Ongoing Investigation
Wu is described as having hazel eyes and black hair. She has been assigned the identifier GC 149 IDS.
Multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with nonprofit organizations, have joined the search. Wu has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database maintained by the FBI, authorities said.
The Palmer Township Police Department continues to aggressively investigate her disappearance and urges the public to come forward with any information.
"Our top priority is ensuring her safety and welfare," police said in a statement. "We encourage the community, as well as her many friends, to immediately contact us with any details that may lead to her safe return."
Anyone with information on Wu’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Palmer Township Police Department at 610-759-2200 or submit an anonymous tip through their CRIMEWATCH page under the "Submit Tip" tab.
Her stepfather, John Gehrmann, who has been leading efforts to locate her, can also be reached at 201-289-1228 for any relevant information.
Search organizers and the family read Daily Voice's coverage of Giovanni Zambrano who was also missing for months but was ultimately found dead. Enci Aubrey Wu's allies are inspired and will continue to hunt for her. Click here to read about Giovanni in an exclusive statement his aunt shared with Daily Voice.
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