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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a somber reminder of an ongoing mystery, North Carolina police released an age-progression photo of Madalina Cojocari on her 14th birthday. Madalina disappeared from her home in November 2022 at just 11 years old, leaving behind a family and community searching for answers.
Nearly a year after her disappearance, her case is still unresolved. Initially, her parents were considered the primary suspects, having faced charges related to Madalina’s vanishing. However, both parents have been released from custody, and her mother, Diana Cojocari, subsequently fled the country.
“Madalina’s investigation started in December 2022,” said Cornelius Police Department Chief David Baucom in a video shared on the Department’s Facebook page. “She was last seen getting off her school bus on November 21, 2022. Today marks her 14th birthday, and our commitment to finding her has not wavered.”
The released age-progression photo is a product of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, aimed at keeping her case alive in the public eye.
Reward Offered for Information
Authorities have announced a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest in connection with Madalina’s case. This initiative underscores the urgency law enforcement feels regarding this matter.
On the day she was last seen, Madalina was reportedly on her way home from school. However, despite her absence, her parents did not report her missing until nearly a month later, on December 15, 2022. They initially told the police that Madalina had last been seen at home on the evening of November 23, 2022.
Circumstances Surrounding the Disappearance
According to court documents, Diana claimed she hadn’t seen her daughter after a late-night argument on November 23. She reported that Madalina went to her room and had not emerged since. Meanwhile, Madalina’s stepfather, Christopher Palmiter, mentioned he left home for Michigan after the argument.
Upon returning home two days later on November 26, he reportedly asked Diana about Madalina’s whereabouts, echoing the questions authorities would later pose. Days later, concern grew at Bailey Middle School when Madalina did not show up for class.
Initial Police Response
Concerned authorities attempted to visit the family home on December 12 after the school reported Madalina’s truancy. However, no one answered the door during their visit, and a truancy package was left outside, indicating escalating concern about her safety.
In the wake of these revelations, both Diana Cojocari and Palmiter were arrested in 2022 for failing to report a missing child. After spending time in jail, Diana pleaded guilty and was released. Palmiter was later found guilty, resulting in a 30-month probation sentence.
Who is Madalina Cojocari?
Madalina, who was born in Moldova, was a sixth-grader at Bailey Middle School. Her family, originally from Eastern Europe, became a focal point in the investigation due to the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
As the investigation progressed, Diana became the primary suspect, but law enforcement lost track of her after she reportedly escaped to Moldova. Chief Baucom explained that no legal restrictions were preventing her departure from the U.S.
Authorities Continue Search
Efforts to locate Madalina have involved collaboration with federal authorities, as local police navigate the complexities of international inquiries. Baucom stated that there is no confirmation that Madalina left the country, although they do not dismiss the possibility.
Search warrants indicate that prior to Madalina’s disappearance, Diana and her mother made inquiries about “smuggling” the two out of their Cornelius home. This troubling detail further deepened suspicions surrounding the family’s narrative.
Public’s Call to Action
Law enforcement officials stress the importance of community involvement in this case. Anyone with information regarding Madalina’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773.
A Community United
Madalina’s case has galvanized the local community as they rally support for her return. As her 14th birthday passes without her, the call for justice and resolution resonates loudly across Charlotte.
The police department remains committed, vowing to continue the search until they uncover the truth behind Madalina’s disappearance. The release of the age-progression photo serves not only as a reminder but also as a beacon of hope for Madalina’s safe return.
