Fact Check: Neighbors express shock over the discovery of the missing teen
What We Know
A 15-year-old girl from Berks County, Pennsylvania, who had been reported missing since June 2024, was found safe in High Point, North Carolina, on June 16, 2025. She was discovered living with 32-year-old Joseph Rossomando, who is now facing serious charges, including human trafficking and statutory rape. Authorities were alerted to her location through a tip-off, leading to her recovery and the arrest of Rossomando, who was also found in possession of child sexual abuse materials (source-1, source-4).
The case has sparked significant concern within the local community, with neighbors expressing their shock and disbelief at the circumstances surrounding the girl's disappearance and her eventual discovery. One neighbor remarked, "It makes you want to get to know your neighbors a little better just to protect each other," highlighting the community's sense of vulnerability and the need for vigilance (source-1, source-4).
Analysis
The claim that neighbors expressed shock over the discovery of the missing teen is supported by multiple credible sources. The reports from both iHeartRadio and WHP580 detail the community's reaction, emphasizing the disbelief and concern felt by local residents. The quotes attributed to neighbors provide direct evidence of their emotional response, which adds to the credibility of the claim.
The sources used are reputable news outlets that report on local and national issues. iHeartRadio and WHP580 are known for their coverage of significant events, and their reports are consistent with each other regarding the details of the case and the community's reaction. The emotional responses from neighbors are not only anecdotal but are also corroborated by the context of the situation—an alarming case of a missing teenager being found in distressing circumstances.
However, it is important to note that while the reports reflect a genuine community sentiment, they may also be influenced by the sensational nature of the case. The emotional reactions of neighbors can sometimes be amplified in media narratives, but the consistency across multiple reports lends credibility to the claim that shock was indeed expressed.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that neighbors expressed shock over the discovery of the missing teen is substantiated by reliable sources and direct quotes from community members. The reports highlight a significant emotional response from the local community, reflecting their concerns and the impact of the case on their sense of safety.
