A missing child from California has been found alive nearly six years after she vanished, bringing relief to investigators and those who followed the long-running case. Authorities confirmed that the girl, Karen Rojas, has been safely located more than 2,600 miles away from where she originally disappeared.
Karen was just five years old when she went missing on June 2, 2020, from the city of Duarte in California. At the time, officials believed she may have been taken by her mother after she stopped communicating with child welfare authorities during an investigation.
For years, the case remained unresolved and investigators had few clues about her whereabouts. But earlier this month, detectives received a crucial tip suggesting the girl might be living in North Carolina.
Local authorities in Washington County, North Carolina followed up on the lead and discovered that the now 11-year-old had been enrolled in a local school under a different name. After confirming her identity, deputies safely took the child into protective custody.
Law enforcement agencies from both states worked together to locate her, highlighting how coordination between multiple departments can help solve even long-standing missing-person cases.
Officials said Karen is now safe while authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the years she spent away from home.
For investigators, the case represents a rare and positive outcome. Many missing child cases remain unsolved for years, making Karen’s recovery an emotional moment for those who never stopped searching.
