Ariel Agustin Lopez was 17 when he disappeared from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on September 20, 2023. He had arrived from El Salvador about six months earlier and was living with his aunt; his mother remained in El Salvador and his father’s whereabouts were unknown. On the day he left, Ariel packed all his personal belongings and was seen getting into a dark-colored sedan with people who have not been identified.

Investigators and family considered the possibility he was traveling to Florida to join other relatives, though his aunt did not know of family there. On September 27, 2023, Ariel’s phone pinged in the West Palm Beach area; Florida police were dispatched but were unable to locate him and the phone was later deactivated. Authorities believe he may still be in the West Palm Beach vicinity, but no confirmed contact has been made.

Ariel is described as Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, and 135 to 150 pounds. Does anyone with knowledge of Ariel, his movements in Tennessee or Florida, or anyone who saw him after September 20 have information to share with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office?