GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County police are asking for the public’s help in a nearly 20-year-old missing child case, releasing digitally aged images they hope spark a memory or lead to a break in the investigation.
Marisa Velasco was 15 months old when she was reported missing in December 2005. Her mother, Rena Velasco, had lost custody of her and was granted a court-approved unsupervised visit while living in a domestic violence shelter, according to Gwinnett Police.
Investigators say Rena Velasco asked a fellow resident for a ride to a medical clinic, took Marisa with her, and never returned.
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Detectives later figured out the clinic was near the apartment of Rena’s boyfriend, Vidal Cruz. When officers checked the apartment, it was vacant.
Investigators say Cruz had reportedly told neighbors he planned to return to Mexico. Neither mother nor daughter has been seen or heard from since.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently provided age-progressed images showing what Marisa might look like today at 20 years old. Police hope those images, which track her transformation from a toddler to a young adult, could help someone recognize her.
“We’re hoping that this will kind of spark some memories and maybe have some people reach out and give us some information,” said Sgt. Jennifer Richter with the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
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Richter said the department regularly audits older missing person cases and decided to reshare Marisa’s case and the newly developed images in hopes of generating leads.
“I think it’s very possible that this child is still alive somewhere, likely living under a different name,” Richter said.
Despite the years that have passed, investigators remain concerned about Marisa’s well-being.
“There was a determination that her mom maybe wasn’t exercising the best judgment at the time, and that could still be going on,” Richter said.
If you think you recognize Marisa or know anything about where she or her mother might be, call Gwinnett Police at 770-513-5300. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS or online at stopcrimeATL.com.
There’s a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest and indictment.
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