Teen missing since New Year's Day found safe, reunites with family

Friday, April 21, 2023
CARSON, Calif. -- The family of a 16-year-old girl who disappeared New Year's Day is thanking the community after the teen was finally located.

Alinka Castaneda was found safe in Venice Monday morning. A good Samaritan spotted the teenager and called authorities, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
[Ads /]
Maricela Avila, the teen's mother, was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw her daughter for the first time in months. A photo captured the two embracing each other when they reunited.

RELATED: Family seeks public's help in search for missing Carson teen
Family seeks public's help in search for Carson teen missing since Jan. 1


Avila says her daughter is anxious, emotional and depressed. She didn't want to answer the details of her whereabouts just yet.
[Ads /]
An advocate for the family says there is another person involved with her disappearance.

As detectives investigate whether a crime was committed, Avila is grateful to all who helped find Alinka. Avila told parents with missing children to not give up.

Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.