A spokesperson for the family announced that a 16-year-old girl from Watts, Los Angeles, who had been missing for over a week, has been found safe.
According to a statement provided to ABC7, Mayanin Vazquez’s family expresses their deep gratitude towards all those who aided in the search and helped raise awareness about her disappearance. They consider the love and support extended to them as invaluable during this challenging period. The family requests privacy as they prioritize healing and spending time together following this ordeal.
The statement did not provide any further information on how Mayanin was discovered.
RELATED STORIES
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the community in locating Mayanin and ensuring her safe return home,” the statement expressed. “During this time, we kindly request your understanding and respect for our privacy as we come together as a family and look towards the future.”
According to an ABC7 interview with a detective from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the teenager stated that she had been spending time with her friends. The detective clarified that there is currently no ongoing criminal investigation.
Mayanin’s family reported that on the morning of August 12, she was heading to school with her sisters. Along the way, she made a stop at a Smart & Final store near Laurel and East 97 streets in Watts.
Mayanin, unfortunately, never made it to school, leaving her family in a state of uncertainty. The teenager was last captured on video walking outside the store alongside an unfamiliar man, which raised concerns for her loved ones.
“I can’t tell if they’re a friendly person or an enemy,” expressed Samuel Maldonado, the father of the girl, in reference to the unidentified individual. “Finding this person is crucial as they may hold answers to our questions. It’s unsettling because they appear unfamiliar to me, immediately raising concerns.”
Mayanin’s family wasted no time in reporting her disappearance. They fondly described her as a diligent student and a talented athlete, actively participating in cross-country and track events.
According to ABC7, her family stated that there is no reason to believe she ran away, as she doesn’t have a boyfriend. Additionally, they mentioned that she left her phone at home.
