Cristian Benitez was 20 when he was last seen on July 3, 2010, near Roma, Texas, during an attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. He had joined a group that crossed the Rio Grande after his family sent money to help him make the journey. Border Patrol encountered the group, which scattered; the guide later said everyone was accounted for except Cristian and another person who was reportedly found deceased.

Cristian has not been seen or heard from since that day. His family checked local hospitals and law enforcement and his case was entered in national missing persons databases, but no trace has been found. Authorities continue to seek information that could explain what happened to him.

If anyone was in the Roma area on or around July 3, 2010, or has information about Cristian’s crossing, please come forward.