In a stunning turn of events, Alicia Navarro, who disappeared nearly four years ago, has been found safe and sound at a police station in Montana, some 1,200 miles away from her hometown of Glendale, Arizona.
The then-14-year-old Alicia went missing on September 15, 2019, leaving behind a note stating she had run away but would return. Thousands of tips flooded in to the FBI and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as her desperate family searched for her.
On Tuesday, the miraculous reunion took place when Alicia, now 18, walked into the Montana police station and identified herself. She sought assistance in removing herself from the missing juvenile list but appeared to be in good health and high spirits.
Alicia’s mother, Jessica Nunez, expressed her relief and gratitude on Facebook, saying, “Miracles do exist.” She had believed her daughter was lured away by someone she met online, and Alicia’s autism spectrum diagnosis raised additional concerns for her safety.
Glendale police confirmed that Alicia’s disappearance had led to her becoming the first person in Arizona to receive a silver alert, designed for missing individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities, as well as seniors.
Despite the emotional reunion, many questions remain unanswered. It remains unclear how Alicia managed to travel all the way to Montana over such a vast distance, and the case continues to be under investigation.
Alicia’s return has brought hope to families of missing loved ones and serves as a reminder never to lose hope and always continue the fight. Alicia’s mother urged others to take heart and use her daughter’s case as an example of the existence of miracles.
For now, the family is rejoicing in Alicia’s safe return, expressing gratitude to those who offered support and prayers throughout the long and agonizing search.
Source: BBC
