Bridgeton, N.J. – On Wednesday, family, friends, and community volunteers assembled at Bridgeton City Park to honor the memory of Dulce Maria Alavez, who disappeared in 2019 while playing with her younger brother. The annual gathering, now in its seventh year, aims to keep public awareness high and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Family shares the pain of a missing child
At the swing set where Dulce was last seen, her mother Noema Alavez spoke emotionally about the enduring heartbreak. “It’s really hard,” she said, adding, “It’s been seven years, and my family never thought it would be this long.” Noema, who was in her vehicle at the time of the disappearance, expressed a steadfast hope that the case will eventually be solved.
Community volunteers keep the search alive
Brenda Trinidad, one of the event organizers, explained that the yearly gathering serves both as a tribute and a practical tool for investigators. “We try to keep Dulce’s name alive,” she said. Trinidad noted that the perpetrator took advantage of a day when Dulce was simply enjoying the park, emphasizing that the child was there for a good time, not to be taken.
Since the disappearance, police have released an age‑progression image showing what Dulce might look like at age nine. According to her mother, Dulce would be twelve years old today and in seventh grade.
Law‑enforcement response and reward
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement expressing frustration that the case remains unsolved, while reaffirming a commitment to pursue all leads. “We remain committed to doing whatever is within our power to find those responsible for Dulce’s disappearance,” the office said.
Authorities continue to review tips and develop leads. They have also established a combined reward of $75,000 for information that leads to Dulce’s whereabouts. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, or the FBI.
A lasting tribute in the park
In addition to the gathering, the community has created a garden in Dulce’s honor within the park. The garden serves as a living memorial and a reminder of the ongoing search for answers.
“Me and my mom and her siblings, we miss her a lot. We’re not going to stop until we find her,” said Alavez’s sibling, echoing the determination felt by many who have supported the family over the years.
The annual event underscores the power of local solidarity in the face of tragedy, and it reinforces the belief that persistent community effort can bring resolution to even the most heartbreaking cases.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
