LOS ANGELES—Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating 39-year-old Maria DelRefugio Chavez of El Monte who went missing on Thursday, May 7.  She was last seen leaving her place of employment, an indoor swap meet located on 4755 Whittier Blvd. in East Los Angeles at approximately 8:45 p.m. 

Authorities need the public's help to find 39 year-old Maria Chavez of El Monte, who went missing after leaving work on Thursday, May 7. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau stated in a press release that “foul play is suspected” in the disappearance of the victim.  Chavez has a 3-year-old daughter at home and her family has indicated to police that this is unlike their loved one to disappear without telling anyone.

Canyon News spoke with Detective S. Blagg of the LASD Homicide Bureau regarding the case.  “This is still considered a missing person’s case,” he said.  He added that authorities currently do not have any suspects in the case.   

Police located her 1998 four-door Honda Accord (gray or champagne color) on Tuesday, May 12, near the Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.  There was no sign of Chavez inside the vehicle.  “We did not find anything in her vehicle,” said Detective Blagg. 

When Canyon News asked Detective Blagg about a reported text message that the victim may have sent to a friend the night she was reported missing he responded, “We have no information regarding a text message.” 

According to a press release from the LASD Homicide Bureau, “Chavez is described as 5'-8'', 160 pounds, with black curly hair, and she wore eyeglasses.  She was last seen wearing a black pull over shirt with a logo on the front and dark colored jeans.” 

“There is no new updates in the case, we’re still gathering details and speaking with the victim’s family,” said Detective Blagg.  Anyone with any information on where Maria Chavez may be is asked to contact Sgt. Jeff Cochran at 323-890-5635 or Detective S. Blagg at 323-890-5584.

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