The FBI has released video of 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari getting off the school bus on November 21, 2022, the last time she was seen. Her mother, Diana Cojocari, is now a suspect in her disappearance, according to Cornelius Police.
The disappearance of Madalina Cojocari, an 11-year-old North Carolina girl, has taken a sinister turn as her mother, Diana Cojocari, has been named a suspect in her disappearance.
Madalina was last seen getting off a school bus at 4:59 p.m. on November 21, 2022, in Cornelius, North Carolina. Her mother did not report her missing until December 15, 2022, and admitted to not seeing her daughter since November 23, 2022.
Missing North Carolina Girl's Mother Now Suspect in Disappearance
Cornelius Police released a statement on Facebook on Tuesday, stating that "(Madalina's) mother, Diana Cojocari, is considered a suspect in her disappearance."
Police have not disclosed the details behind their decision to name Cojocari a suspect. However, lawyer Timothy Cannady, who is not involved in the case, speculated to WCNC Charlotte that new evidence may have led to this development.
Missing North Carolina Girl's Mother Now Suspect in Disappearance
"There's probably some level of new evidence that they've got," Cannady said, suggesting that the evidence could indicate Cojocari's active involvement in Madalina's disappearance rather than mere failure to report.
In December, both Diana Cojocari and Christopher Palmiter, Madalina's stepfather, were charged with failure to report a missing child after Madalina's disappearance from her hometown in Cornelius. They admitted to last seeing Madalina on November 23, 2022.
Missing North Carolina Girl's Mother Now Suspect in Disappearance
The investigation into Madalina's disappearance has taken authorities from the Charlotte area to the mountains of western North Carolina, but no signs of the missing girl have been found.
Cornelius Police are urging the public to continue sharing Madalina's picture on social media and calling in tips to detectives at 704-892-7773.
Missing North Carolina Girl's Mother Now Suspect in Disappearance
Madalina's disappearance has been a heart-wrenching case that has garnered national attention. Her family and the community are desperate for her safe return. The latest development, with her mother being named a suspect, has added a new layer of mystery and concern to the investigation.
It remains to be seen what new evidence led to Cojocari being named a suspect and what charges, if any, she will face. The investigation into Madalina's disappearance continues, leaving her family, friends, and the community with a glimmer of hope that she will be found safe and sound.
