Connecticut police have located a New Haven girl — now a woman — who went missing 25 years ago, when she was just 2 years old.
Andrea Reyes, 27, was abducted in October 1999 by her non-custodial, biological mother, Rosa Tenorio, who brought her to Mexico.
During a press conference held on March 12 in collaboration with the New Haven Police Department, Andrea’s stepmother expressed immense gratitude for the support received in reuniting with their daughter after a 25-year separation. She mentioned that their prayers had been answered, allowing them the opportunity to reconnect with Andrea. Despite anticipating challenges in rebuilding their relationship, they remain optimistic, believing that God is guiding their journey.
Andrea’s father went on several trips to Mexico himself over the years to find his daughter, police said during the press conference.
Family abductions are the second-most common type of child abduction in the United States, according to NCMEC.
Andrea Reyes’ father speaks during a March 12 press conference about finding his missing daughter after 25 years. (Facebook/ New Haven PF)
In 2023, NCMEC received 1,185 family abduction cases and 59% of all AMBER Alerts that were issued were for family abductions.
Angeline Hartmann, the director of communications at NCMEC, addressed a common misunderstanding regarding family abduction cases. She debunked the myth that children in these situations are unharmed because they are taken by a parent. Hartmann emphasized the emotional turmoil and potential danger these children face while on the run with their abductor. Living a life of deception and isolation, these children are indeed missing, a fact highlighted by recent successful cases like Andrea Reyes and Aziz Khan’s recovery, underscoring that these children can be located regardless of the duration of their absence.
An arrest warrant for Tenorio remains active.
