In the quiet city of El Reno, Oklahoma, a distressing event unfolded that led to the disappearance of 32-year-old Miria Lopez-Rodriguez on February 17, 2016. That evening, a violent altercation took place at her home, forever altering the course of her life and that of her family. Two men at the residence were brutally attacked with a machete, sustaining critical injuries that required them to be airlifted to a hospital.
In the chaotic aftermath of this violence, Miria, along with her young daughter, Mabel Lopez, vanished. The main suspect in the brutal assault was identified as Arcenio De Jesus, Miria's husband and Mabel's father.
Following the attack, law enforcement issued an Amber Alert for 8-year-old Mabel, expressing grave concern for her and her mother's safety. Authorities believed that Arcenio De Jesus had fled with his wife and daughter, with investigators suspecting he was heading towards Texas and potentially on to Mexico. A warrant was issued for his arrest on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The family was believed to be traveling in a dark gray or black 2005 Ford Explorer with Oklahoma license plate number 689LHD. There were reported sightings of the family in Gainesville, Texas, which further fueled the theory of their journey south.
The disappearance of Miria Lopez-Rodriguez is a case that began with a violent crime and transitioned into a cross-state search for a mother and child believed to be in significant danger. The circumstances surrounding their last known moments paint a grim picture, with the primary suspect being the person who should have been their protector. Despite the issuance of an Amber Alert and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma and Texas, the trail of the Ford Explorer and its occupants grew cold. The case of Miria and her daughter remains an open investigation, a painful and unresolved chapter for their loved ones and a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence.Last Seen: Feb 17, 2016
