An AMBER alert has been issued for five-year-old Daleza Fregoso amidst concerns that she may have been abducted by her father, Ruben Fregoso, who is wanted by authorities in connection with the death of her mother. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the pair near the U.S.-Mexico border, escalating fears for the child’s safety.
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The California Highway Patrol (CHP) alerted the public following reports that the father and daughter were last seen together in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, in the Los Angeles area. Fregoso, 40, is currently a person of interest concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, who, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), was found deceased during a welfare check at their home on Monday, May 25.
In the footage released by NBC Los Angeles, Fregoso is seen leaving a parking garage in San Ysidro while pulling a suitcase, accompanied by Daleza. The father was described as wearing ripped jeans, a black vest, and a black hat, while Daleza was dressed in a light blue shirt and sweatpants. The CHP confirmed that Fregoso’s vehicle—a 2019 Land Rover Discovery with California registration 9DAW715—was located at the San Ysidro Point of Entry, but the two individuals remain missing.
The LAPD has indicated that Fregoso may have made comments suggesting he intended to flee the country, raising further alarm as law enforcement agencies scramble to locate the pair. The police press release stated, “Investigators have learned that Fregoso made statements indicating he intended to flee the country.”
Concern is mounting not only for Daleza’s safety but also regarding the nature of her mother’s death, which police have classified as suspicious. Preliminary investigations suggest that the mother died as a result of violent circumstances. Although the authorities have not officially identified the deceased, they have confirmed that Fregoso is the husband of the victim.
Detectives are actively pursuing leads that could help locate both Fregoso and his daughter. Daleza is described as being approximately 3 feet tall, weighing around 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Meanwhile, Ruben Fregoso has brown eyes and black hair, stands at 5 feet 9 inches in height, and weighs 200 pounds.
The CHP has urged anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the two to contact authorities immediately by dialling 911. Additionally, the LAPD is requesting tips and relevant information be directed to their Robbery Homicide Division at (323) 786-5100.
As the investigation continues, officers are appealing to the general public for assistance. The urgency of the AMBER alert reflects the seriousness of the situation and the potential danger facing young Daleza Fregoso. Law enforcement agencies across the region remain vigilant as they work to secure the safety of the child and determine the whereabouts of her father.
As of now, the LAPD and CHP have not responded to requests for further details regarding the investigation. The community, meanwhile, remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to what has become a deeply concerning case.