KPD gets hot leads in cold missing persons case
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 6th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
KENNEWICK – More than 75 people have called or left tips on the special website dedicated to finding Sofia Juarez, who went missing in 2003 shortly before her 5th birthday. The Kennewick Police Department reports that previously unknown names and other new information has been provided. Police are also continuing to investigate a TikTok video that could be a clue.
Public Information Officer Lt. Aaron Clem reports that a highly credible witness has been identified who observed a girl matching Sofia’s description walking along the sidewalk on South Washington Street near East 15th Avenue, which corresponds to the approximate time the child would have arrived on foot in that area.
“A person approached the young female and led her away as she cried,” Clem’s report stated. “Our investigators have a detailed description of that person.”
An occupied van was also observed on a nearby side street. It is described as light blue, gray, or silver in color. The vehicle was an older panel van with no side windows. KPD has expressed a high interest in the van.
“We are asking anybody who has any information on a van like this seen in the area of South Washington Street near East 15th Avenue between 8 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Feb. 4, 2003, to contact police,” the report states. “We are also seeking information from the public on anybody who may have operated a similar type van and either lived nearby, would have passed through the area at that time, or driven by as part of their regular route or routine.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Special Investigator Al Wehner at 509-582-1331, email al.wehner@ci.kennewick.wa.us. Information can also be posted at the website established by KPD to find Sofia Juarez.
The photo is a progressively aged graphic of what Sofia may look like today.
