A 17-year-old mother from Queens, Maria Castro Escalante, has gone missing along with her 1-year-old daughter, Catalina Escalante, following a family dispute. The pair were last seen on a Monday evening at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is approximately three miles from their home. This troubling situation has prompted authorities to intensify their search for the two, as both have not been located since their disappearance.
Witnesses reported that the young mother and daughter were seen around 9 p.m. on the evening in question. According to police sources, the disappearance followed an argument between Maria and her own mother, which possibly led to her decision to leave with her child. The circumstances surrounding their departure appear concerning but do not initially suggest any criminal activity.
In an effort to locate Maria and Catalina, the NYPD released a photograph of the teen mother carrying her daughter. Descriptions provided by law enforcement detail Maria as being approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 180 pounds. At the time of her disappearance, she was last observed wearing a black dress and black shoes, while her daughter was spotted in a pink shirt and a diaper.
As the days pass without any sign of the mother and child, both the police and the community remain anxious for any updates. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of their disappearance, keen on uncovering further details that might lead to their safe return. Despite the concerning nature of this case, officials have indicated that there is no immediate suspicion of foul play, providing a glimmer of hope for the family and friends involved.
The NYPD is actively soliciting help from the public, urging anyone with information regarding Maria and Catalina’s whereabouts to come forward. They have made it easy for individuals to provide tips, offering several methods to report sightings or useful information anonymously. The community’s involvement is seen as crucial in resolving this distressing case and ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
As the situation remains unresolved, family members and friends continue to express their concerns, hoping for a swift and safe resolution. The disappearance of Maria and Catalina highlights broader issues surrounding teenage parenting and family dynamics, bringing attention to the challenges faced by young mothers. As the investigation continues, the call for support from the public grows ever more urgent, underscoring the importance of community awareness in such critical situations.
