Woman kidnapped as a child in 1999 found alive

(NEW HAVEN, Conn.) -A woman who was abducted as a child from Connecticut in 1999 has been discovered alive in Mexico. Authorities report that Andrea Michelle Reyes, now 27 years old, was taken from her father in New Haven when she was just 23 months old in October 1999. 

 

Reyes was allegedly abducted from her home by Rosa Tenorio, her non-custodial parent. The New Haven Police Department announced the finding on Tuesday. Throughout the years, Reyes’ father remained committed to finding her, and her case was listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

 

The investigation into her kidnapping was ongoing, in collaboration with various agencies. However, 2023 brought a significant development when Reyes reached out to her father, prompting further investigation. The police then partnered with Othram, a Texas-based forensic lab known for its advanced techniques in solving cold cases.

 

The woman who identified herself as Reyes supplied a DNA sample, which was matched against her father’s DNA profile. Othram confirmed that the test established the woman's identity as the child who had been kidnapped in 1999. 

 

Investigators believe that Reyes was taken to Puebla, Mexico, where she has lived for the past 25 years. Kristen Mittelman, chief development officer for Othram, expressed satisfaction in contributing to the resolution of this case, stating, “Whether it is unidentified human remains, the identity of a suspect in a crime, or confirming the identity of a woman missing for decades, we work every day to provide answers for families.”