A planned family trip from Coachella, California to Mexico ended in disappearance for 27-year-old Armando Salinas Soto and his grandparents. They left in December 2012 for a visit and were expected back in early January 2013. The last known contact came on January 3, 2013, when the three reportedly began their return to the United States; Armando was last seen that day in Sierra Blanca, Hudspeth County, Texas.

Armando is described as a Hispanic male, brown hair and brown eyes, 5 feet 7 inches and about 140 pounds at the time. He had tattoos including an angel, the name Denise, a Raiders logo, and skulls. The family’s green 2003 Ford F-150, registered to Roberto Soto Munoz, was believed to be the vehicle they were driving. Phones went unanswered and appeared turned off, and there was no record the trio re-entered the United States.

Riverside County authorities opened a missing persons investigation on January 10, 2013, with assistance from federal partners and the U.S. Consulate in Juarez. Cross-border complications and limited communication have slowed progress; community efforts have kept the case public. If anyone has information about Armando, his grandparents, or that green 2003 Ford F-150, please share what is known.