Police search for Maryland teacher who disappeared after going on a walk

Police are searching for a Maryland teacher who was reported missing more than a week ago after she disappeared after going on a walk, authorities said.

Mariame Toure Sylla, 59, was last seen in Greenbelt, Maryland, on July 29 around 8 p.m., the Greenbelt Police Department said in a statement Monday. Police described Sylla as a Black woman, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and about 135 pounds, police said. 

Sylla, who is also known as Madame Sylla, is a teacher at Dora Kennedy French Immersion School in the Prince George's County Public Schools district in Greenbelt.

“We hope and pray for Mariame Toure Sylla's safe return," the school district said in a statement Friday. “Our hearts are with the Dora Kennedy French Immersion School community.”

Maryland community holds vigil for Mariame Sylla

On Friday, students, parents and the Greenbelt community held a vigil for Sylla almost a week after she was reported missing.

At the vigil, Greenbelt Police Chief Rick Bowers said Sylla took regular walks, from 30 to 45 minutes, ending before sunset, local station WTOP reported. Police said she went for a walk the day she disappeared, the station reported.

Police are asking the public to contact them with any information on Sylla's disappearance.