Little Rock, Arkansas – Tori Milsak, a 35-year-old woman who disappeared more than a year ago, was found alive after she walked into a gas station on Thursday afternoon and asked the attendants to call the police.
Milsak, who had been missing since June 2024, surprised the attendants when she revealed her identity and told them she had a warrant out for her arrest. Soon after, Little Rock police officers arrived at the scene and took Milsak into custody. She is currently being held at the Garland County Detention Center.
What Happened to Tori Milsak?
Milsak was reportedly charged with breaking or entering and first-degree criminal mischief before her disappearance. However, the details of her arrest remain unclear, and authorities have yet to provide more information on why she was detained.
Milsak’s brother, Jason Hamel, expressed his shock and relief upon learning that his sister was alive. He shared with the local outlet, KATV, that for over a year, he had feared the worst. “I’d been told that she might have been murdered multiple times,” he said, adding that he had lost hope but always clung to the sliver of hope that she would be found alive.
Hamel explained that Tori had been dealing with a tragic loss in 2023 when their sister died in a motorcycle accident, and Milsak had become distressed over the situation. She had cut ties with the family after the death, and her brother admitted he was haunted by their final conversation.
“I told her that I did not have time to deal with her crap right now,” Hamel recalled. “She just said, ‘I’m sorry. I love you. I’ll call in a week.’ And I never heard from her again.”
A Family’s Search for Answers
Milsak was last seen in Hot Springs, Arkansas, about an hour west of Little Rock, on June 6, 2024, before being reported missing. The year-long search ended when Milsak showed up at the gas station in Little Rock, sparking both relief and anger within her family.
“I’m nervous, and I want to find out what happened,” Hamel said. He also emphasized the need for the family to start the healing process and rebuild Milsak’s life. “Was she held against her will? It’s been a year. I want to see her, make sure she’s OK.”
Legal Battle and Support
Following her discovery, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for Milsak’s legal battle and mental health care. The campaign description explained that the charges against Milsak stem from before her disappearance, and she is in urgent need of legal representation. The funds raised will also help cover court costs and potential mental health or substance abuse treatment.
“Her family and friends are trying to get her into a treatment facility as well,” the description continued.
As of Sunday morning, Hamel shared on social media that he still hadn’t received any updates about his sister’s condition and expressed frustration with people leaving negative comments about the situation. “There’s still a lot of questions that need to be answered. This isn’t over, and Tori will need all the support she can get to be able to tell her story,” he wrote.
Moving Forward
Milsak’s sudden reappearance raises more questions about her year-long disappearance, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her absence and arrest is still ongoing. Her family and supporters are working to ensure she receives the care and legal support she needs to navigate the challenges ahead.