Seventeen-year-old Julio Leonel was last seen in Paterson, New Jersey, on or about March 19, 2023. Julio is Hispanic, with black hair and brown eyes, about five feet five inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. At the time he left his uncle’s home he was wearing blue jeans and carrying a black suitcase and a black backpack, and told his uncle he planned to live with a cousin and look for work.

The cousin Julio mentioned has not been identified, and investigators say there are no solid leads about where he went or who he might be staying with. The Paterson Police Department is handling the open missing-person investigation, and the family remains hopeful for information.

If anyone knew Julio, his movements around March 19, 2023, or the cousin he referenced, please contact the Paterson Police Department with what you know.