In a perplexing turn of events that have both concluded an extensive search and ignited a slew of new questions, the Amarillo Police Department confirmed a resolution to a cold case that has haunted the community for over a decade.
The Cold Case Unit of the Amarillo Police Department has confirmed that a teenage girl who was reported missing 13 years ago has been located safe. Investigators have officially closed the case. In a press release, APD stated that the individual who went missing requested confidentiality regarding her current whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Jessica Delgadillo was reported missing by her family on October 20, 2010, when she was 14 years old. Amarillo police responded after she failed to return home from school. An immediate investigation was launched, and despite diligent efforts by multiple investigators over the course of ten years, the case remained unsolved. Due to a lack of leads and information, the case was transferred to the APD Homicide Unit.
In 2023, following the establishment of the Cold Case Unit by APD, investigators initiated inquiries into three cold case investigations concerning missing children from Amarillo.
Seeking additional support, investigators collaborated with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and solicited their assistance. Subsequently, NCMEC dispatched two representatives from Team Adam to Amarillo to aid in the investigations. Team Adam, a service offered by NCMEC to law enforcement agencies at no cost, provides rapid, on-site assistance in critical cases involving missing children. Named in memory of Adam Walsh, the son of NCMEC co-founders John and Revé Walsh, who was abducted and murdered, Team Adam works closely with law enforcement agencies and families to facilitate swift responses in such cases, as noted by APD.
Cold Case Investigators, alongside Team Adam, delved into the cases of Dorien Thomas, Brandy Noble, and Jessica Delgadillo in Amarillo. They meticulously reviewed each case, updating information and disseminating details across social platforms nationwide. Utilizing all available resources and contacts, including age progression photos and specifics of the disappearances, they aimed to maximize exposure.
Then, on Thursday, November 2, 2023, the APD Homicide Unit received a significant call from a woman claiming to be Jessica Delgadillo. She acknowledged being aware of her reported disappearance.
APD reported that DNA swabs were obtained from the caller and forwarded to the University of North Texas for comparison with a known family member’s DNA. Following several months of anticipation, the DNA analysis conclusively confirmed the caller’s identity as Jessica Delgadillo, the missing girl. Presently, she resides on the East Coast. APD expressed relief that this long-standing case could now be officially closed, providing much-needed closure for the family.
Relevant articles:
– Missing Amarillo teen found safe 13 years later on US East Coast
– Woman found alive 13 years later after going missing as a 14-year-old, Atlanta News First, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 01:28:00 GMT
– Amarillo missing woman found alive after 13 years, KFDA, Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:20:00 GMT
– Woman and her teen child found dead; 2 suspects in woman’s death found dead after standoff, officials say, WIFR, Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:56:00 GMT