The enigmatic disappearance of five-year-old Dulce Maria Alavez continues to baffle authorities and the community of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Dulce was last seen on September 16, 2019, in Bridgeton City Park, sparking a widespread investigation that has yet to yield concrete results. The case, marked by its complexities and the absence of clear leads, has gripped the nation.
The fateful day saw Dulce playing with her younger brother Manuel in the park. Their mother, Noema Alavez Perez, was nearby in her car. The alarm was raised when Manuel returned alone, distraught and without his sister. The immediate fear of abduction led to a swift call to 911 by Perez.
The search operation for Dulce was immense, involving over 100 police officers combing the nearby woods. Despite these exhaustive efforts, no significant evidence was uncovered. Adding to the perplexing nature of the case were reports of Dulce and Manuel being approached by an unidentified male, who was later linked to a red van.
Witness accounts suggest the potential abductor was a light-skinned, possibly Hispanic male. He was described as around 5’7” with a thin build, acne, and distinctively dressed in orange sneakers, red pants, and a black shirt. The ensuing Amber Alert listed this unidentified individual as a suspect.