16-year-old Spokane Valley runaway missing since last year found safe

March 31, 2025 Updated Mon., March 31, 2025 at 6:59 p.m.

By Alexandra Duggan alexandrad@spokesman.com (509) 459-5469

A 16-year-old runaway missing since July was found safe in Ritzville this week, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Trinity M. Hoppens-Elmore left PNW Helping Hands in Spokane Valley last year with Kristena Van Eycke, 13, who was found safe in August.

Because Hoppens-Elmore ran away intentionally, she is now in the custody of Child Protective Services, the news release says.