Authorities are searching for a 5-year-old girl after her mother was found dead in Los Angeles, and her father is considered a person of interest in the case. An Amber Alert was issued for the child, Daleyza Fregoso, who was last seen with her father, Ruben Fregoso, 40, near Ferndale Street and Alsace Avenue around 4 a.m. Sunday.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) discovered the woman’s body inside a home in the 2600 block of South Alsace Avenue in West Adams on Monday. Investigators confirmed she died from violence, but no further details were released. The woman’s identity has not been disclosed.
Police described Ruben Fregoso as a person of interest in her death. He allegedly fled with their daughter, Daleyza, and made statements suggesting he intended to leave the country. The pair were initially believed to be traveling in a white 2019 Land Rover Discovery, but the vehicle was later found abandoned in a San Ysidro shopping center near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Daleyza is described as 3 feet tall, 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Ruben is 5 feet 9 inches tall, 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities urge anyone with information to call the LAPD at (323)-786-5100 or 911.
Deeper Dive & Context
Vehicle Discovery
The white Land Rover Discovery was located by a security guard at 4575 Camino De La Plaza in San Ysidro shortly before 9:15 p.m. Monday, according to Officer S. Foster of the San Diego Police Department. The vehicle’s license plate was 9DAW715.
Public Appeal
Authorities have emphasized the urgency of locating Daleyza, as her father’s statements raised concerns about potential international travel. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) also issued an Amber Alert, describing the relationship between Daleyza and Ruben as that of father and daughter.
Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD has not disclosed further details about the mother’s death or the circumstances surrounding the abduction. The case remains under active investigation, with law enforcement agencies collaborating across jurisdictions.
Missing Persons Protocol
Amber Alerts are issued when law enforcement believes a child has been abducted and is in imminent danger. The system relies on rapid dissemination of information to the public to aid in recovery efforts.
Community Response
Local and national media outlets have covered the case, emphasizing the need for public vigilance. Authorities have not yet provided updates on whether Daleyza or Ruben have been located.
The investigation continues, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward.