NJ Girl Who Vanished In 2019 Turns 10; Search Continues For Dulce Maria Alavez

BRIDGETON, NJ — A South Jersey girl who vanished from a park remains missing nearly five years later. But on her 10th birthday, efforts to find Dulce Maria Alavez continue.

Dulce disappeared from a Bridgeton park on Sept. 16, 2019, when she was 5 years old. Investigators believe she was abducted. Her disappearance prompted investigations and search efforts from the local police to the FBI.

Thursday marked Dulce's 10th birthday, which loved ones continue to celebrate annually.

"We still sing her 'Happy Birthday' even though she's not here," Dulce's mother, Noema Alavez Perez, told NBC10 Philadelphia. " ... All I do is keep up hope that I'm going to see my daughter one day."

On Dulce's birthday, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children renewed calls for the public to spread awareness about her disappearance. The organization shared an age-progression photo of what Dulce may look like today — released last September, four years after she vanished.

"We remain committed to providing unwavering support to the dedicated detectives working to bring Dulce home," the NCMEC said.

Dulce was playing on the Bridgeton City Park swings with her younger brother while their mother sat in a vehicle about 30 yards away, Bridgeton police said in the original Amber Alert. Her mother told police that Dulce did not return to her vehicle.

The child was last seen wearing a yellow shirt with a koala on the front, black and white pants with butterflies and flowers on them, and white dress sandals, according to the FBI.

How To Report Tips

Authorities continue to encourage the public to assist law enforcement with any information that they feel may be helpful.

Information can be provided anonymously to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office by visiting www.ccpo.tips or via the Bridgeton Police Department at www.bpd.tips. You can also relay information by calling the Bridgeton Police Department at 856-451-0033.

The FBI also continues to gather information on Dulce's disappearance. If you have information concerning this case, you can contact the FBI's Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) and select option 4, then select option 8. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

Anyone with photos or videos from Bridgeton City Park on Sept. 16, 2019, can upload them at fbi.gov/alavez.