Nine-year-old Maribel Oquendo-Carrero vanished from Homestead, Florida, on December 6, 1982. She left home to walk to a nearby Food Spot to buy candy; witnesses saw her make purchases there and later saw her get into a waiting vehicle. That was the last confirmed sighting.

Investigators focused early on Maribel’s non-custodial father, Emiliano Olivo Oquendo, who had a documented history of violence and had threatened Maribel’s mother, Ana Maria Hernandez. Days before the disappearance he allegedly threatened to take away the thing she loved the most, and soon after Maribel went missing he was seen driving with a child who matched Maribel’s description but returned alone. Emiliano never admitted involvement and has refused to provide information; he now lives in a nursing home with dementia and has not offered new details.

No additional evidence about Maribel’s fate has emerged and the case remains unsolved. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to resolution. If anyone knew Maribel, saw her that day, or has information about the vehicle or the person seen with her, please come forward.