Amidst the alarming reports of thousands of people, particularly Black women, going missing, comes a poignant true story brought to life on screen. Abducted Off The Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story stars Kenya Moore, Riele Downs, and Sam Asante in a powerful TV movie premiere set to air on Saturday, February 10th, at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on Lifetime TV.
The movie unfolds with the gripping tale of Philadelphia nurse Carlesha, portrayed by Riele Downs. Carlesha’s life takes a terrifying turn as she is forcibly abducted off the street while walking home from a family gathering. Faced with a knife-wielding captor, Carlesha’s determination to survive leads her to leave behind crucial clues at every opportunity, including her cell phone. Meanwhile, her mother, Keisha, played by Kenya Moore, launches a relentless pursuit to find her daughter, making heartfelt pleas to the media and collaborating with a dedicated detective to bring Carlesha home safely.
Based upon a true story, written by Amani Walker and directed by Katie Boland, Abducted Off The Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story sheds light on the harrowing experiences faced by many Black women who go missing. Executive producers J.C. Mills, Sherri Rufh, and Jeff Vanderwal have brought together a talented cast and crew to portray this riveting narrative with authenticity and compassion.
The movie’s premiere comes at a time when the disparity in missing persons cases among Black communities is increasingly evident. According to data from the FBI and Statista, although Black people represent around 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for a staggering 37 percent of those reported missing. For young Black women aged 20 and under, this disparity is even more pronounced, with statistics indicating that they make up just 2 percent of the population but account for over 15 percent of missing persons.
Abducted Off The Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story shines a light on these sobering statistics and underscores the importance of raising awareness about missing persons cases, particularly within marginalized communities. As viewers tune in to witness Carlesha’s harrowing journey and her mother’s unwavering determination, they are reminded of the resilience and strength that emerge in the face of adversity.
Don’t miss this compelling and thought-provoking premiere on Lifetime, as Abducted Off The Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story unfolds on Saturday, February 10th. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter.
Click to see Video Clip of Kenya Moore below.