12-year-old girl with mental health issues missing in North Hills

NORTH HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An investigation was underway after a 12-year-old girl with mental health issues went missing in North Hills.

Donyetta Butts was last seen at Hometown Inn in the 9400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard near Plummer Street Tuesday. Her mother, Michelle Mosby, said Donyetta went to take the trash out around 9 p.m. and did not return.

"Right now, I've got so many horrible images just going through my head. It's horrifying for me," Mosby said.

Police say the girl has been on suicide watch three times in the past, but she does not have a history of running away. Her mother said this is very out of character for her.

"No, this is not normal at all. She's never done this. She's never run away," Mosby said. "She does have a mental issue. She has PTSD with a mood disorder."

Mosby said her daughter's conditions require medication.

"Before she had her medications, you know, she might run off, but she would never go far," she said.

Donyetta was described as black, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds with a light complexion, and long, braided hair - burgundy on top and black on bottom. She was last seen wearing a pink and white spandex shirt with black leggings and no shoes. Her mother says she goes by the nickname, "D.D."

Mosby said she and her family are originally from Indiana and have been in California for a year. They've been staying at the hotel for a week.

Investigators canvassed the hotel as well as surrounding areas. Search-and-rescue and K-9 teams also searched nearby parks. Although police have called off the active search, they said they are still investigating the case.

"No area is safe for a 12-year-old to be out anywhere after 10:30, anytime at night, with not her parent or anybody else," said LAPD Sgt. Bennie Boatwright.

Police gathered surveillance footage from the hotel but have not disclosed what it revealed.

Mosby said she hopes her daughter is safe somewhere and wants her to come home.

"At least a phone call or a text, something. She knows my number by heart," she said.

If you have any information about Donyetta's whereabouts, you're urged to call 911.