‘Not a good experience’ | Old Harbour mom reunites with missing daughter

“I screamed,” McDowell recounted, describing the moment she spotted Kaycia at a pre-arranged location in Old Harbour. “She looked frightened at first, then started smiling. How relieved am I? Very much!” 

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, certain details have been withheld to protect Kaycia, who remains a minor. 

For weeks, relatives and police had no leads until a missing person story in Old Harbour News and a heartfelt TikTok plea by McDowell sparked public attention. Days later, an unexpected call came: Kaycia was on the line, ready to come home. 

McDowell, who has lived and worked in the U.S. for years, admitted her absence strained her relationship with Kaycia, the elder of her two daughters. In her absence she left Kaycia in the care of a trusted guardian, believing it was best though Kaycia’s father lived nearby. However, the lack of direct parental contact took an emotional toll. 

“She was having issues and spoke to her father, but nothing changed,” McDowell said, acknowledging her own role in her daughter’s struggles. She believes Kaycia’s disappearance was an act of rebellion, compounded by feelings of neglect. 

Now reunited, McDowell is determined to rebuild their bond while addressing past mistakes. “She seems alright, but sometimes she zones out,” she said. “I think there’s more she’s afraid to say.” 

Medical exams showed no signs of abuse, and Kaycia will undergo psychosocial counseling to ease her return to school. McDowell plans to return to the U.S. soon but vows to expedite paperwork to bring both daughters stateside. Until then, Kaycia will stay with her father. 

Police have warned Kaycia against repeating her actions, stressing that further incidents could lead to state intervention. While her whereabouts during those missing months remain unknown, McDowell is just grateful her daughter is safe. 

“I wish I never have to go through this again,” she said. “It wasn’t a good experience.”