- Reagan Brown, 19, disappeared on May 6 – her body was found two days later
The family of a teenager who went missing before her body was found in a lake say they were raided by police multiple times – leaving them feeling as though they were under suspicion over her disappearance.
Reagan Brown, 19, disappeared on May 6 after meeting up with a friend at Newcastle’s Leazes Park.
She had walked behind some bushes to go to the toilet at around 9.30pm as her pal sat on a bench – but never came back.
A missing person’s investigation was launched and Reagan’s body was found two days later in the park’s lake. As of yet, nobody has been charged in connection with her death.
But her parents, Teena and Frank, have revealed they were immediately placed under suspicion by Northumbria Police in the hours after she vanished.
The couple, who have two other children- Shaina, 25, and Tyler, 18 – remain convinced their daughter was attacked in the short time she was behind the bushes.
Police, they say, are of the opinion that Reagan’s death was a tragic accident and are trying to close the case – a conclusion they are refusing to accept.
Teena said today detectives had ‘drones following us about’ as they began their inquiries, and were investigating on the assumption the 19-year-old was already dead.
Reagan Brown, 19, disappeared on a night out with a friend in May – and was found in a lake two days later
Her parents, Frank and Teena Brown, say they were placed under suspicion by police during the search for their daughter
The lake at Leazes Park in Newcastle, where Reagan’s body was ultimately found after she disappeared
Northumbria Police said its investigation into Reagan’s death is continuing (pictured: Reagan Brown)
She told The Sun: ‘I actually said “oh my God, you’re looking for a body”. They were saying “we’ve got to”. And I get that…they suspect the family first.’
Frank further claimed to the paper an officer told him his ‘hands were tied’ when he quizzed the conclusion that Reagan’s death was an accident.
‘What does that mean? Your hands are tied – you’re the police,’ he said.
The family further claims police had let them down throughout the investigation – from sharing a post about the discovery of a body in the lake on social media before notifying them to not returning Reagan’s personal belongings.
Teena and Frank also had to contend with an online troll who shared images of the teen’s coffin while mocking her. The pair claim no action was taken despite the individual being reported to police.
They also claim they were discouraged from sharing their own appeals to find Reagan on social media – something they now regret.
As is, the family are still at a loss as to how their daughter came to die after she had hatched plans to travel to Australia, and to save up to buy a horse.
Teena said: ‘I feel like they (the police) are trying to close the case, but we’re arguing how can you do that when we have so many unanswered questions. I truly believe witnesses will come forward.’
The family is encouraging anyone with any information to contact them directly at justice4reagan@mail.com to help uncover what happened to their daughter.
Teena said last week: ‘We’ve been so let down, we feel like Reagan has just become a case number. It’s been six months and they’re not any closer to knowing what has happened.’
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: ‘Our thoughts remain firmly with the family and friends of Reagan Brown following her tragic death in May 2024.
‘We are carrying out a full investigation into Reagan’s death, which remains ongoing.
‘As part of our enquiries two people in their 20s were arrested and are currently released under investigation.
‘One was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and the second on suspicion of threats to kill.’
MailOnline has contacted the force for further comment.
