A year after the disappearance of 11-year-old North Carolina girl Madalina Cojocari, police continue their investigation, while her stepfather has been convicted of failing to report her missing.
One year has passed since the disappearance of 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari, who was last seen getting off a school bus in Cornelius, North Carolina, in November 2022. Despite extensive efforts by authorities, her whereabouts remain unknown.
On May 31, Madalina's stepfather, Christopher Palmiter, was found guilty by a Mecklenburg County jury of failing to report her disappearance to law enforcement. The jury reached the verdict after a weeklong trial.
According to prosecutors, Palmiter was responsible for Madalina's well-being and failed to fulfill that duty. He was sentenced to a suspended 30-month supervised probation.
Palmiter's defense attorneys argued that he had been manipulated by Madalina's mother, Diana Cojocari, and believed that she was safe. However, prosecutors presented evidence that Palmiter knew Madalina was missing but did not report it to authorities.
Diana Cojocari pleaded guilty last month to the same charge as Palmiter. The couple did not report Madalina missing until three weeks after she disappeared.
Search warrants unsealed last year suggest that Diana Cojocari had contacted a distant relative about smuggling her and Madalina from their home before her disappearance. Phone records obtained by the Cornelius Police Department support this claim.
Investigators believe that Diana Cojocari may have taken Madalina somewhere with her Moldovan family. Palmiter testified that he believes Diana has hidden Madalina where she will not be found.
Authorities continue to ask for the public's help in finding Madalina. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773.
The search for Madalina remains a top priority for the police, who are committed to finding her and bringing her home. The community remains hopeful that she will be reunited with her family soon.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that may lead to Madalina's safe return.
