ROSEMEAD—A young girl, Cynthia Wheeler-Villanueva, has gone missing and authorities are asking the public’s help to locate her.
Wheeler-Villanueva, a 10 year-old girl from the Rosemead area, has been missing since January 9. She is Hispanic, with brown hair and brown eyes. She stands at about 5 foot and 1 inch tall and weighs about 105 pounds. She usually wears her hair in a bun, and may currently be using only the latter half of her last name, “Villanueva.” As of now authorities are still not sure where she is.
She was last seen leaving her school, Emerson Elementary School, at about 12:30 p.m. Officials from the Los Angeles Police Department took to the streets, combing through the area around the school, as well as other parts of San Pedro.
Detectives believe the young girl ran away on her own. Deputy Trina Schrader of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau elaborated, told MyNewsLA “Based on information they’ve obtained during the investigation from friends and family, [detectives] believe she left voluntarily and is not in any immediate danger, nor has she been kidnapped.” Detectives have expanded the search range to include Temple City, Gardena, San Pedro and Norwalk.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children along with the LAPD are now calling on the public to help find the child. Anyone who has seen Cynthia or has information about her possible location is asked to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office at 626-285-7171. Anyone with information can contact 911. To remain anonymous call (800) 222-TIPS.
