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Missing Girl Found Safe After Six Years

3/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Karen Rojas, an 11-year-old kidnapped in 2020 from Duarte, California, was found safe in North Carolina on March 10, 2026, after detectives received a tip about her enrollment in a local school under an alias.
The mother of Karen Rojas ceased communication with child services during the investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said such outcomes are rare and stressed inter-agency cooperation, with no arrests reported.

History

Historical Context

Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002, by Brian David Mitchell, and held captive for nine months. Her rescue on March 12, 2003, involved community efforts and law enforcement collaboration, highlighting the complexities of child abduction cases. The FBI reports approximately 800,000 children go missing annually in the U.S., underscoring the need for improved inter-agency communication.

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Story summary

Karen Rojas, an 11-year-old kidnapped in 2020 from Duarte, California, was found safe in North Carolina on March 10, 2026, after detectives received a tip about her enrollment in a local school under an alias.
The mother of Karen Rojas ceased communication with child services during the investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said such outcomes are rare and stressed inter-agency cooperation, with no arrests reported.

1 / 2