A Mobile County, Alabama mother and her two children have been missing since Friday, January 30, after authorities discovered signs of a struggle inside their residence and believe the family was taken against their will.
Aurelia Choc Cac, 40, her 17-year-old daughter Niurka Zuleta, and her 2-year-old son Anthony Garcia Choc were last seen at their home before their disappearance. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Cac and Niurka were under final deportation orders issued in April.
A 911 call from a concerned neighbor has shed additional light on the circumstances surrounding the family’s disappearance, raising questions about what happened inside the home that Friday evening.
911 Call Reveals Concerns About Ex-Boyfriend
In call records obtained by FOX10, neighbor Maurice Smith told operators that Cac had a “crazy ex-boyfriend” who he says has been on the run for at least eight months. The neighbor is identified as Maurice Simmons in a separate NBC 15 report.
Smith said he had spoken with Cac, who is from Guatemala, on Friday evening, and she did not indicate that she was planning to leave. The neighbor told NBC 15 he was deeply concerned that the family had left their phones behind, a detail that suggested to him the departure was not voluntary.
The information provided in the 911 call has given investigators a potential lead to explore as they work to determine what happened to the family.
Sheriff Describes Disturbing Scene Inside Home
Sheriff Paul Burch described what responding officers found when they arrived at the residence. The scene indicated that something violent had occurred inside the home and that the family’s disappearance was not a case of someone simply deciding to leave.
“There was obviously some kind of struggle, based on the scene,” Burch said.
Officers discovered multiple troubling indicators that suggested the family did not leave voluntarily.
- Blood found throughout the house with cash left behind inside the residence.
- Clothes dumped throughout the bedroom with hampers missing from the home.
- A mattress was missing while a box spring that appeared relatively new remained, which Burch described as “unusual.”
The combination of these findings painted a troubling picture for investigators. The presence of blood, the disarray of clothing, and the missing mattress all pointed toward a violent incident rather than a planned departure.
The fact that cash was left behind further supported the theory that the family did not leave of their own accord.
Oldest Daughter Pleads for Family’s Safe Return
Cac’s oldest daughter, Lorena, has made a public plea for the safe return of her mother and siblings. Her emotional appeal highlighted the devastating impact this disappearance has had on the extended family.
“Whoever did this, please bring my little brother home,” Lorena said. “I’m waiting for them to come home with the little baby.”
The plea underscores the fear and uncertainty the family faces as days pass without answers. For Lorena, the disappearance has meant waiting and hoping for news about her mother, teenage sister, and toddler brother while authorities continue their investigation.
Investigation Continues With No Named Suspects
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said in an updated statement on Monday that police interviewed a person they had initially identified as a person of interest but eventually cleared him. No other persons of interest have been named in the case.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together what happened on the evening of January 30.
The 911 call, the evidence found at the scene, and interviews with neighbors and acquaintances are all part of the effort to locate the missing family members and determine who may be responsible for their disappearance.
Authorities continue to ask for the public’s assistance in this case, emphasizing that any information, no matter how small, could prove valuable in bringing the family home safely.
Descriptions of the Missing Family Members
Authorities have released detailed descriptions of all three missing individuals to aid in the search and are asking the public to remain vigilant.
- Aurelia Choc Cac is 5 feet tall, weighs 140 pounds, and has black hair. She was last seen wearing a maroon jacket and tan joggers.
- Niurka Zuleta is 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighs 100 pounds, and has black hair. She was last seen wearing a black top and plaid pants.
- Anthony Garcia Choc weighs 30 pounds, has black hair, and was last seen wearing a cartoon character hoodie and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Cac and her children is urged to contact authorities at 251-574-8633. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and investigators are asking anyone who may have seen the family or noticed suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
Protecting Your Family During Difficult Times
Family safety is paramount, and when difficult situations arise, having trusted legal counsel can make a difference.
Our experienced family law attorneys here at Baxley Maniscalco are committed to helping Alabama families navigate complex legal matters, including child custody and protective measures.
We stand ready to advocate for families facing challenging circumstances.
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