Los Angeles, California — Authorities are intensifying the search for a missing 5-year-old girl after surveillance images reportedly showed her near the Mexican border alongside a man suspected in connection with her mother’s violent death.
The alarming development comes as investigators continue piecing together a disturbing case involving a homicide, an abduction and a possible international escape.
Surveillance Images Allegedly Show Pair Near Border
According to investigators, newly surfaced surveillance photos appear to show 40-year-old Ruben Fregoso with 5-year-old Daleyza Fregoso in San Diego on Sunday morning shortly after 7:30 a.m.
Authorities believe the pair may have been attempting to cross into Mexico around that time.
The images emerged just one day before Los Angeles police discovered the body of an adult woman during a welfare check at a home in South Los Angeles.
Officials have not publicly confirmed the exact relationship between Ruben and Daleyza, despite the pair sharing the same last name.
Woman Found Dead During Welfare Check
The investigation began Monday afternoon when officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the 2600 block of South Alsace Avenue after concerns were raised about the woman inside the residence.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult female deceased inside the residence,” police said.
Authorities added:
“Preliminary investigation indicates the victim died as a result of violence.”
Video footage from the scene later showed investigators removing a body from the home while a medical examiner’s vehicle remained parked outside.
Police have not publicly released additional details regarding how the woman died.
Amber Alert Issued for Missing Child
Hours after the body was discovered, the California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert for Daleyza Fregoso.
Authorities initially misspelled the child’s name as “Daleza” before later correcting it publicly. Daleyza was last reportedly seen near Alsace Avenue and Ferndale Street in Los Angeles’ West Adams neighborhood.
Investigators said Ruben Fregoso allegedly made comments suggesting he intended to flee the country, raising additional concerns about the child’s safety.
6-Year-Old Dies in Freak Campground Accident Moments After Retrieving Stuffed Animal
Vehicle Recovered Near Border
Police later recovered the white Land Rover believed to have been used in the case in San Ysidro, a border community in San Diego near Mexico.
However, authorities have still not located either Ruben Fregoso or the missing child.
Investigators continue working with multiple agencies as they search for clues regarding the pair’s possible whereabouts and whether they successfully crossed the border.
Authorities Continue Search Efforts
Law enforcement officials released descriptions of both the suspect and the missing child as the investigation remains ongoing.
Ruben Fregoso is described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Daleyza is described as being about 3 feet tall, weighing roughly 45 pounds, also with black hair and brown eyes.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or confirmed whether the child remains in immediate danger, but the Amber Alert remains active as search efforts continue.
The disturbing case has sparked widespread concern across Southern California as investigators race to locate the missing child safely.
What are your thoughts on this developing investigation? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
