Layla Marie Gallegos was about two years old when she disappeared from Eagle River, Alaska, around February 28, 2002; the exact date is uncertain. She is described as Hispanic, with wavy light brown hair, dark brown eyes and a small superficial hole on the outside of her left ear. Family used the nickname Laylee.

Layla’s disappearance followed a domestic tragedy: her father fatally shot her brother Quique and then died by suicide. At that point temporary custody was given to the children’s paternal grandmother, Yolanda Gonzalez-Garcia. A judge later ordered Layla returned to Alaska so permanent custody could be decided, but Yolanda Gonzalez-Garcia reportedly refused to comply and is believed to have fled with Layla, possibly to Mexico. The Alaska State Troopers are handling the investigation; the international border has complicated efforts to locate her.

If anyone knew the family, saw Layla or Yolanda Gonzalez-Garcia around that time, or has information about Layla’s possible whereabouts, please share what is known.