Family thanks community after Carson teenager missing since New Year's Day found safe

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a 16-year old Carson 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.
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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.

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Avila says her daughter is anxious, emotional and depressed. She didn't want to answer the details of her whereabouts just yet.
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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.

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