Authorities in southern Alabama are actively searching for a mother and her two children who disappeared under puzzling circumstances over the weekend.
The investigation was launched Saturday morning following a 911 call reporting that Aurelia Choc Cac had not responded to a knock at her door for her work pickup, according to WALA.
“I went inside their house because, it’s ok, we’re neighbors like that. But uh, I went in because nobody was answering,” Maurice Simmons explained to dispatchers during the call.
Simmons, who informed WALA that Choc neither drives nor owns a vehicle, mentioned to the dispatcher that he last saw her around 7:30 p.m. the previous evening. She had not indicated any plans to miss work the next day.
Choc’s 17-year-old daughter Niurka and 2-year-old son Anthony are also missing.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch confirmed that deputies discovered no indications of forced entry at the residence, though blood was found at the scene.
“It was blood throughout the house but not large quantities,” the sheriff said. “There was obviously some kind of struggle, based on the scene. Mattress was gone, clothes throughout the bedroom that appeared to be dumped out and hampers missing.”
Local, state, and now federal authorities have joined the search.
The sheriff’s office said that Choc’s ex-boyfriend — and the toddler’s father — was initially consider a person of interest but dropped that designation after he was taken into custody on outstanding warrants and questioned in Texas on Sunday.
Investigators said they’re checking surveillance footage from around the Choc’s home.
The sheriff’s office said they believe the family was taken against their will and “could be in danger.” Anyone with information should contact the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office 251-574-8633.
