TUCSON, Ariz. — A three-day search for a missing 15-year-old boy in Pima County came to a close Wednesday when authorities located the teenager safe, roughly three miles from his home in the Three Points area.
Ryker Lee was found shortly before 1 p.m. on Sept. 25 after a local resident provided a tip to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) regarding a possible sighting near South Sierrita Mountain Road and West Ajo Way. Deputies confirmed the teen’s identity, and he was subsequently evaluated by members of the Three Points Fire Department.
The successful recovery was the result of a massive, multi-agency effort. PCSD officials expressed gratitude to the community, as well as the U.S. Border Patrol’s Borstar K9 Tracking Team and the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Ranger Helicopter Crew. Local volunteers also proved vital, utilizing drones, horses, and all-terrain vehicles to assist search and rescue teams in canvassing the area.
While the search for Lee has concluded, the legal case surrounding his living conditions is only beginning. The teen was first reported missing on the morning of Sept. 22. Upon responding to the family’s residence in the 9100 block of South Silver Star Road, deputies uncovered evidence of alleged child abuse.
According to an interim complaint, investigators discovered that the teen had been forced to sleep in an RV on the property since March 2026. The structure was reportedly devoid of air conditioning, running water, or bathroom facilities. Furthermore, the teen was allegedly confined to a small, six-by-five-foot room inside the vehicle that was secured with a padlock and lacked a doorknob. Deputies reported finding spiders and webs near his makeshift sleeping quarters.
Conditions inside the main residence were also described as deplorable, with authorities noting a strong odor of cat urine, vomit-stained floors, and piles of rotting garbage. An unsecured rifle was also discovered in a closet within the home.
Following the discovery, the Department of Child Services (DCS) took custody of Lee’s two younger siblings, ages 8 and 10.
The teenager’s mother, 39-year-old Danielle Lee-Sharp, and his stepfather, 43-year-old Michael Menzie, were arrested and charged with child abuse. Both have since been released after posting bonds of $5,000 and $10,000, respectively. They are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 5.
PCSD confirmed they have been working closely with the Department of Child Services throughout the investigation, which remains ongoing.
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