BREAKING| California Girl Missing Since 2020 Found Alive in North Carolina
An 11-year-old girl kidnapped from Duarte, California, nearly six years ago has been found safe in Washington County, North Carolina, enrolled in a local school under a false identity, according to law enforcement officials.
The girl, identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as Karen Rojas, was five years old and described as 3 feet tall, weighing 40 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes when she was last seen on June 2, 2020, approximately 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
The Disappearance
At the time of Karen's disappearance, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services had an active investigation open involving the child. Her mother, who held legal custody, abruptly stopped communicating with DCFS personnel and was believed to have taken her. The case was officially reported to the LASD's Temple Station on July 1, 2020.
The trail went cold shortly after.
The Tip That Broke the Case
On March 6, 2026, nearly six years after Karen's disappearance, detectives at the Temple Sheriff's Station in Los Angeles received a tip suggesting the girl might be living in Washington County, North Carolina. Investigators immediately contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office, which launched a follow-up investigation within its jurisdiction.
Sheriff Arlo Norman said his office spent several days researching available records and speaking with school faculty before confirming the girl's identity on March 10. Authorities determined that Karen had been enrolled in the Washington County school district under an alias. She was located, found safe, and taken into protective custody that day.
It is not yet clear exactly how long Karen had been living in North Carolina or who she was living with at the time she was found, more than 2,600 miles from where she disappeared.
Investigation Ongoing, No Charges Announced
Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or charges in connection with the kidnapping. According to WCTI, Karen's mother is reportedly in custody, though officials have not confirmed any charges being filed. The LASD said it is continuing to coordinate with DCFS and North Carolina authorities as the investigation remains ongoing.
While law enforcement has not officially confirmed her name in their communications, Karen was identified publicly by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and several missing persons organizations. The alias she used while enrolled in school has not been released.
A Rare Outcome
"These are very rare occurrences to have such a positive outcome on such an old case as this," the Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "It reminds us that through hard work, and dedication, and cooperation, stories with positive outcomes like these can happen."
The LASD echoed the sentiment, with Lt. David Kearney noting the critical role of inter-agency coordination in ultimately locating the child.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children had released an age progression image of Karen just three months before her recovery.
"After six years, the recovery of Karen Rojas is an incredible moment for everyone who has worked to bring her home," said John Bischoff, who oversees NCMEC's Missing Children Division. "Her recovery reflects the persistence and close coordination between law enforcement and NCMEC and our shared commitment to never give up on a missing child."
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