Veronica Emily Martinez was 14 when she was last seen leaving her Tracy, California, home on March 29, 2001, to attend Tracy High School. Her family had forbidden contact with 26-year-old Manuel Antonio Quiroz Jr., who is believed to have abducted her. The two were reported seen together in Reno and Sparks, Nevada, in July 2003, and there is speculation they may be in Mexico, possibly posing as siblings.

Veronica is described as 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 to 170 pounds, with dark brown hair and red highlights, a dimple on her left cheek, and a childhood fracture of her left elbow that might show on X-rays. Quiroz has a criminal record including sexual assault and weapons charges and is considered dangerous; a felony warrant has been issued for him. The Tracy Police Department keeps the case open and seeks tips that could locate them.

If anyone has information about Veronica or Manuel Quiroz’s whereabouts, please contact the Tracy Police Department.