Cecilia Laurente Bustamante, a 42-year-old mother, vanished under perplexing circumstances after leaving her job in Atlanta, Georgia. She was last seen on October 28, 2016, departing in a frantic rush from the Willy's Mexican Grill located at 725 West Peachtree Street where she was employed. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing her work uniform.
Since that day, there has been a complete absence of communication from Cecilia; no calls or messages to her family, and no activity on her social media, phone, or financial accounts. The lack of contact was especially concerning to those who knew her, as she was described as a mother deeply involved in her young son's life.
The investigation into Cecilia's disappearance began after a friend in Baltimore reported her missing, approximately five weeks after she was last seen. This report was made after she failed to show up for a Thanksgiving celebration. Authorities with the Chamblee Police Department grew concerned for her welfare, stating they believed she could be in danger. A search of her home revealed that her personal identification, including her passport, credit cards, and bank card, were all left behind in a safe. This discovery led investigators to believe that she did not leave voluntarily. Her husband, who lived with her and their 7-year-old son, had not reported her missing and reportedly showed a lack of concern when interviewed by police.
The Filipino-American community in the Atlanta area rallied together to bring awareness to Cecilia's case, organizing vigils and distributing flyers in the months following her disappearance. They also hired a private investigator to assist with the search. Cecilia is described as an Asian female, standing between 5'0' and 5'4' and weighing between 100 and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. In addition to her ties to the Atlanta area, she also had connections to Baltimore, Maryland, and the Philippines. The overview of this case is that Cecilia Bustamante disappeared under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind her child and all of her personal effects. The frantic nature of her departure from work, coupled with the lack of any subsequent contact and the unusual delay in her being reported missing, has left her family, friends, and investigators with many unanswered questions.Last Seen: Oct 28, 2016
