Maribel Oquendo-Carrero, a 9-year-old girl, disappeared on December 6, 1982, in Homestead, Florida. She was last seen leaving her home to walk to a nearby store, Food Spot, to buy candy. Witnesses confirmed that she purchased items at the store but was later seen getting into a waiting vehicle. This was the last time anyone saw Maribel.
One of the leading theories in her disappearance involves her non-custodial father, Emiliano Olivo Oquendo, who had a history of violence and had previously threatened her mother, Ana Maria Hernandez. Just days before Maribel went missing, Emiliano had reportedly attempted to reconcile with Ana Maria, but when she refused, he threatened to take away "the thing she loved the most." Shortly after Maribel's disappearance, Emiliano was seen driving with a child matching Maribel's description, though he returned alone. Despite these suspicious circumstances, Emiliano never confessed any involvement and has consistently refused to provide any information.
The case remains unsolved, and no further evidence has surfaced regarding Maribel's fate. Emiliano, now elderly and suffering from dementia, resides in a nursing home and has not been able to offer any new information. Despite the passage of decades, the FBI continues to offer a $25,000 reward for information that could lead to the resolution of Maribel's case. The search for answers persists, leaving her family in a painful state of uncertainty.
Last Seen: Dec 6, 1982
