Pilar Rodriguez was 3 years old when she disappeared on January 30, 1999, while in the care of her babysitter, Melissa Cooper, on a two-week trip to Punta Gorda, Florida. Cooper’s boyfriend, Keith Allen Wilson, was also present. Pilar failed to return by February 22 and her father, Marco Rodriguez, reported her missing.

Initial statements from Cooper and Wilson conflicted. Wilson at one point said Pilar had been picked up by her father and later suggested abuse by Marco, but investigators found no evidence implicating him. Cooper later said Wilson became violent toward both her and Pilar, striking the child until Pilar convulsed. Cooper said Wilson refused to seek medical help; Pilar died of her injuries and Wilson disposed of her body. Searches, including draining Preacher’s Lake, produced some biological evidence but Pilar’s remains were never fully recovered.

Cooper was charged with aggravated manslaughter for failing to protect Pilar and later pleaded guilty to being an accessory to murder in exchange for testifying against Wilson. Wilson was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2017. Pilar’s body has never been found. Does anyone have information about Pilar’s final whereabouts or evidence that could help complete her story?