Authorities in New Jersey are circulating an age-progressed rendering of Dulce Maria Alavez, who was just 5 when she mysteriously vanished from a park in 2019.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office shared a likeness last week of what Dulce may look like more two years after she disappeared from Bridgeton City Park as she played with her 3-year-old brother that September.
“Still missing,” the post reads, adding that anyone with information in the case should submit tips online. A reward of up to $75,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.
The image was one of two produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
An FBI investigator in the case fears that Dulce — who would be 7 years old now — was abducted by a predator seeking an opportunity to snatch a child, but local authorities say they continue to consider all possibilities surrounding her disappearance, NJ.com reported.
The girl’s family is preparing to hold a “Christmas Miracle Tree Lighting” ceremony for Dulce at Bridgeton City Park on Dec. 18.
“The family is hoping for a Christmas miracle,” volunteer Brenda Trinidad told NJ.com. “It’s been two long years since they celebrated any holiday with her.”
Family and friends plan to illuminate “Dulce’s tree” — a giant oak near the playground where she was last seen — and a smaller Christmas tree as part of the ceremony, NJ.com reported.
“It’s to remind Dulce that her family is missing her and wishing she will return home for the holidays,” Trinidad said.
The event is open to the public, but all attendees must wear face masks. The tree lighting comes after a silent walk in September that was organized by Dulce’s supporters in hopes of generating a new lead in her disappearance, NJ.com reported.
“The silent walk was so impactful,” Trinidad posted Friday on a Facebook page dedicated to finding the missing girl.
“Since that day new doors have opened up for this family. New search and awareness efforts are being created. New hopes including a Christmas miracle … No matter the obstacles thrown at us, we will not stop standing up for Dulce.”