The person at the center of this case
Dulce Maria Alavez, 5 years old
Missing Person · Open - Unsolved
Dulce Maria Alavez
Dulce Maria Alavez, a 5-year-old girl, disappeared on September 16, 2019, from Bridgeton City Park in New Jersey while playing with her younger brother. Her mother was nearby in a car when her son returned without his sister. An Amber Alert was issued and the case drew national attention with a $75,000 reward. Despite extensive searches and anonymous tips, including letters sent to Ohio locations, Dulce's whereabouts remain unknown.
Bridgeton City Park, Bridgeton, New Jersey
🏛️ Bridgeton Police Department, New Jersey State Police, FBI, Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office
Case Summary
Dulce Maria Alavez, a 5-year-old girl, disappeared on September 16, 2019, from Bridgeton City Park in New Jersey while playing with her younger brother. Her mother was nearby in a car when her son returned without his sister. An Amber Alert was issued and the case drew national attention with a $75,000 reward. Despite extensive searches and anonymous tips, including letters sent to Ohio locations, Dulce's whereabouts remain unknown.
Timeline of Events
👤
2019-09-16
Dulce Maria Alavez disappears
5-year-old Dulce disappeared from Bridgeton City Park while playing with her 3-year-old brother. Mother was in nearby car with 8-year-old relative.
🕵️
2019-09-17
Amber Alert issued
Amber Alert issued for Dulce Maria Alavez in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
📋
2019-10
Composite sketch released
Composite sketch of a man seen in the park around the time of disappearance released by Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.
🕵️
2020-02
Anonymous letters received
Third anonymous letter concerning Dulce's disappearance found in Ohio mailbox. Multiple handwritten items mailed to Austintown Library, casino, and ice cream shop with details about the case.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Points of Interest / Key Leads
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Unidentified man seen in Bridgeton City Park around time of disappearance; described as leading a child toward a red van
🚗
vehicle
Lead #2Red van reportedly seen in connection with potential abduction
🔍
evidence
Lead #3Anonymous handwritten letters and index cards mailed from Ohio with details about Dulce's case and references to specific locations
💡
clue
Lead #4Possible abduction by stranger in crime of opportunity according to FBI assessment
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Case Information
Case Type:
Missing Person
Status:
Open - Unsolved
Case Number:35
Started:September 16, 2019
Last Updated:July 3, 2025
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