On December 16, 1996, 12-year-old Celina Janette Mays vanished from her home in Willingboro, New Jersey. At the time, she was nine months pregnant, with her due date just two weeks away. Despite extensive investigations, her whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Celina Mays was born on May 21, 1984, in Miami, Florida, to Crezonzo “C.J.” Mays and Lynn Vitale. Following her mother’s death in 1994, Celina moved to Willingboro to live with her father, stepmother, and other family members. The family was deeply involved in the Gospel of Christ Ministries in Mount Holly, New Jersey, led by Celina’s aunt, Cerita Smith. The church was known for its strict teachings, and Celina was homeschooled within this environment.
According to the Willingboro Police Department and the (NCMEC), on December 15, 1996, Celina attended church service with her family and returned home for ice cream before going to bed around 11 p.m. The following morning, her 4-year-old stepsister discovered that Celina’s bed had been arranged to look as if she were still sleeping, but Celina was missing. Notably, she left behind personal items, including her purse and prenatal vitamins.…