Leo Francisco Moreno-Ceballos, a 43-year-old resident of New Jersey, was last seen in Hialeah, Florida, at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2023. Moreno-Ceballos, a father of four, was visiting South Florida with his family to celebrate the New Year. On the day of his disappearance, he informed his wife, Maria Santos, that he needed some time alone and was going for a drive. His family became concerned when they were unable to reach him, and after multiple calls, Santos received a text message from him at 5:45 p.m. stating, "I'm fine." He has not been heard from since. Loved ones have noted that Moreno-Ceballos suffered from depression and anxiety and would often go for drives to clear his mind.
The day after his disappearance, on January 9, 2023, Moreno-Ceballos's vehicle was discovered abandoned by the Florida Highway Patrol. The car was located on the southbound I-75 exit ramp towards westbound Sheridan Street in Broward County. The vehicle was damaged, with the driver's side airbag deployed, and it appeared to have crashed into a light pole. Despite the accident, there was no sign of Moreno-Ceballos at the scene and no indication of injury, such as blood, inside the car. His cell phone and wallet were also missing from the vehicle.
At the time he went missing, Moreno-Ceballos was wearing a dark green polo shirt, blue jeans, and green sneakers. He is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a distinctive lion tattoo and a tattoo of a lighthouse and a ship on his left arm. Authorities, including canine units, searched the area where his car was found, but no clues to his whereabouts were discovered. The Hialeah Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward as his case remains unsolved.
Last Seen: Jan 10, 2023
