A woman kidnapped as a toddler in Connecticut has turned up alive in Mexico, more than 25 years later. Andrea Michelle Reyes, now 27, vanished in 1999 when her mother allegedly abducted her from New Haven. She was just 23 months old, as reported by multiple news outlets.
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Reyes's mother, Rosa Tenorio, took her to Puebla, a bustling city of over 1.5 million people southeast of Mexico City. Tenorio, the non-custodial parent, faced a felony warrant for custodial interference issued that same year. Reyes's father searched relentlessly for his daughter and her mother but found no trace.
The New Haven Police Department revealed the breakthrough Tuesday, partnering with Othram, a Texas-based forensic lab. Over the years, investigators produced age-progressed images of Reyes to show how she might look as an adult. They also logged her case in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
The trail eventually led to Mexico, but Reyes's location stayed hidden. In 2023, New Haven police reopened the investigation. A woman claiming to be Reyes reached out to her father. Othram's DNA testing confirmed the family tie.
Technology Helps Find Toddler
This marks the seventh time Connecticut officials have identified someone using Othram's technology. Reyes now lives in Mexico, the company said. "We find answers for families every day," said Kristen Mittelman, Othram's chief development officer. "Whether it's unidentified remains, a suspect's identity, or a missing person like Reyes, we deliver certainty."
The case ties into Othram's Project 525, launched last year to solve mysteries for families and aid law enforcement. "This is about truth and justice," Mittelman added.
The discovery echoes a recent case in Atlanta. There, 14-year-old Abdul Aziz Khan was found in Denver on February 23. His non-custodial mother allegedly kidnapped him in 2017 when he was 7. Colorado deputies stumbled upon him during a burglary call at a Highlands Ranch home up for sale. Sheriff Darren Weekly said Khan "immediately called the two people inside" and appeared coached on what to say if police approached.
Both cases spotlight how advanced forensics and technology can crack decades-old mysteries, reuniting families and closing painful chapters.
