**Search Underway for Missing Texas Teen Days Before College Start**
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A teenager from Texas has gone missing just days prior to her anticipated college debut, prompting concern from both her family and local authorities. Eighteen-year-old Camilla Fuentes was last spotted in Rowlett, a suburb east of Dallas, on Thursday, August 13, at approximately 4:30 p.m.
According to the Rowlett Police Department, her vehicle was later discovered parked outside a restaurant, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, in nearby North Garland. Disturbingly, the young woman left her mobile phone and keys at home, which has raised further questions regarding her sudden disappearance.
Camilla Fuentes is a recent graduate of Hockaday School and had received a scholarship to attend Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where she planned to study civil engineering. On August 19, she was expected to embark on a road trip across the country with her family, a journey that would mark the beginning of her new academic career.
Her family is understandably distraught, with her mother, Diana Decanini, expressing the severity of the situation in an emotional plea for her daughter’s safety. “I can’t breathe sometimes. I need my baby,” she shared in an interview, highlighting the distress that the family is enduring during this troubling time.
Described as an academically gifted student, Camilla is also known for her athleticism and involvement in the school orchestra. She has coached a youth soccer team, demonstrating her commitment to both her studies and community. According to her loved ones, she has not previously exhibited signs of depression or any inclination to leave, which adds to the confusion surrounding her current situation.
Her sister, Clarissa Fuentes, expressed disbelief over the circumstances, saying, “I still feel like I’m dreaming and that I’m going to wake up tomorrow and she’s going to call me.” The emotional turmoil surrounding the case is palpable, and family members are devoutly holding out hope for her safe return.
In a concerning detail, the Fuentes family has noted that key personal documents belonging to Camilla, including her passport and birth certificate, are missing. They have since submitted her mobile phone and various personal items to law enforcement in an effort to assist in the investigation. Her father, John Fuentes, emphasised the family’s yearning for answers, saying, “We want her back home and need to know that she’s okay.”
Diana Decanini added insight into her daughter’s character, stating, “My daughter doesn’t believe that bad people exist in the world.” This remark underscores the concern that someone might be exploiting Camilla’s trusting nature.
The Rowlett Police Department describes Camilla as standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes, and is urging anyone with information that could assist in her search to get in touch. Individuals with insights or leads are encouraged to contact Detective Cruz Hernandez at 469-628-5597 or 972-412-6294, or via email at chernandez@rowlett.com.
The local community, along with the family, remains hopeful that this heart-wrenching situation will resolve positively. As investigations continue, the Fuentes family pleads for any assistance. Neighbourhoods rallying to support the search emphasise the importance of vigilance in these precarious situations, as the wait for news regarding Camilla intensifies.
Efforts to locate the missing teen are currently ongoing, and the Rowlett Police Department has not released further updates at this time. The family remains steadfast in their hope and determination to bring Camilla home safely.