Community Leaders, Law Enforcement Ramp Up Efforts To Find Missing 5-Year-Old Dulce Maria Alavez As Search Reaches Three Months
BRIDGETON, N.J. (CBS) -- The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office ramped up its efforts to find 5-year-old Dulce Maria Alavez by handing out fliers and asking for tips in Bridgeton neighborhoods. Monday marked three months since the girl was presumably taken from a city playground.
Despite every effort, law enforcement officials have found no sign of Dulce since she was presumably abducted from a swingset on Sept. 16.
"People around here haven't given up hope. They're still looking, they're still making people aware, they have social media and all that," said Bridgeton resident Lauren Holden.
The prosecutor's office went out in teams Monday afternoon in hopes of learning new information that will lead them to whoever is responsible for Dulce's disappearance.
"I don't hear many people talking about it in stores, you just see signs," Jamie Brooks said.
Bridgeton police canvassed the roads and prosecutors went door to door hoping to land a lead.
As the search for Dulce continues, the small community says the 5-year-old has not been forgotten
Earlier this month, Noema Alavez Perez, Dulce's mother, appeared on "Dr. Phil" on CBS3 to discuss losing her daughter.
Authorities have investigated hundreds of tips, conducted dozens of searches and reviewed numerous pictures and videos submitted by the public that might contain clues. The only real lead authorities have shared so far is a sketch of a possible person of interest who they say was described by a child.
CBS3's Kimberly Davis contributed to this report.