The parents of a missing San Antonio teenager say they fear their daughter may have been groomed or trafficked after she disappeared earlier this month.
Sixteen-year-old Isabella Ramirez was last seen on Jan. 10 after leaving her family’s home, according to her father, Trinidad Ramirez. Speaking with KENS 5, he said he believes someone deliberately lured his daughter away.
During the interview, Ramirez issued an emotional plea directly to Isabella.
“Mija, fight, fight for yourself,” he said. “Try to get a phone, try to do something. Please, do whatever you can to get away from what you’re in.”
A representative from the nonprofit Search and Support San Antonio told KENS 5 that she has spoken with someone claiming to be Isabella using a phone number provided by one of the teen’s friends. Despite that contact, authorities continue to treat the case as an active missing persons investigation.
Ramirez said Isabella was grounded the morning she disappeared after leaving the house overnight. He said he attempted to take away her phone and tablet to prevent contact with someone he believes she had met.
Phone records later led Ramirez to a nearby residence, but Isabella was not found when he arrived. He described the situation as a possible grooming case and said he fears his daughter may be a victim of human trafficking.
“If you are hurting my daughter, let her go,” Ramirez said. “Let her go.”
Isabella has now been missing for eight days. Her father said the uncertainty has left him struggling to sleep.
“I’m holding strong for my family, but I love my daughter,” he said. “And I want her home.”
Search and Support San Antonio has distributed flyers and issued a public statement urging anyone involved to return Isabella safely. The group said the family is asking for her to be dropped off at a Walmart or another public location, where she will be picked up immediately with no questions asked.
Isabella is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing gray pants, a dark brown hoodie and Birkenstock sandals. She is known as “Izzy” and has a distinctive birthmark near her belly button.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000 or Safe and Sound San Antonio at (210) 338-0027.
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