Key Takeaways:
– Luis Armando Albino, abducted as a six-year-old in California in 1951, has been found alive after seven decades.
– His niece, Alida Alequin, tracked him using DNA testing and old newspaper clippings.
– The Oakland Police consider the kidnapping investigation still open while the missing persons case is closed.
– Luis Armando Albino was reunited with his family, including his older brother Roger, whom he last saw on the day of his abduction.
The Incredible Journey to Justice
Luis Armando Albino, a young boy kidnapped from an Oakland park in California over seven decades ago, has finally been found. After 70 years, this extraordinary tale of a family’s perseverance and a niece’s undying resolve has given closure to a long-standing mystery.
The Abduction
The narrative dates back to 21 February 1951, when Armando Albino was playing with his 10-year-old brother, Roger, in Jefferson Square Park. A woman lured the Puerto Rico-born boy away with the promise of candy, kidnaping him and flying him across the country according to Bay Area News Group. Raised by a couple on the east coast as if he were their own, his family kept a long vigil for his return, leading up to the mother’s demise in 2005.
The Investigation Begins
The beacon of hope resurfaced when Albino’s niece, Alida Alequin, chose to embark on an investigative journey. Decades had passed with Albino missing, but the family frequently remembered him, marking his absence by displaying his picture at the family home. Alequin decided to dig into her family lore in 2020. An online DNA test provided the first clue, showing a 22% match with a man on the east coast. Although initially unable to obtain further insight, Alequin was undeterred and sought help.
The Niece’s Relentless Pursuit
Alequin enlisted her daughters’ help to find their great-uncle. Motivated by a documentary referencing Puerto Rican folklore, they investigated archived Oakland Tribune articles and found current images. Subsequently, they approached the police, making a compelling argument that led to the reopening of the missing persons case.
The Resolution of a Prolonged Mystery
The pursuit gained momentum with the involvement of the FBI and the Department of Justice. Albino’s location was finalized, and DNA samples taken from him and his sister confirmed the findings. The family was thrilled to receive the news on 20 June that their long-lost relative had been found. “In my heart, I knew it was him,” Alequin confessed, her joy and relief echoing in her words.
The Reunion: A Long-Awaited Moment
In a delightful twist, Albino was reunited with his family in Oakland with assistance from the FBI. After seven decades, he shared a heartfelt reunion with his elder brother the first time since that fateful day at the park. Roger passed away in August, shortly after their reunion.
In Conclusion
This riveting saga demonstrates how enduring hope and modern technology can solve decades-old mysteries. As Albino returns to his roots seventy years later, the investigation into his abduction remains open, leaving in its wake a story of familial love, relentless determination, and eventual justice.