Amber Alert active as LA girl, 5, missing after mother slain

An Amber Alert remained active Wednesday for 5-year-old Daleza Fregoso, missing since Sunday from the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles after her mother was found slain in their home, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The case has drawn urgent attention across Southern California as investigators search for Ruben Fregoso, 40 — the child's father and a person of interest in her mother's death — who authorities believe may have taken the girl to Mexico.

Police found Marysol Garcia dead inside her West Adams home after conducting a welfare check Monday. Her daughter Daleza and Daleza's father, Ruben Fregoso, 40, had last been seen Sunday morning near Alsace Avenue and Ferndale Street, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Fregoso has been named a person of interest in Garcia's death and is suspected of abducting Daleza, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. His vehicle was later recovered near the U.S.-Mexico border, and investigators believe he fled with the child to Mexico, where he has family.

Neighbors gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening to mourn Garcia and call for Daleza's safe return. "It's been terrible what's happening," said Martha Guerro, a neighbor who attended the vigil. "We're hoping that they can find him and bring the little girl back because the sister needs her," Guerro added, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Another neighbor, Carrie Coleman, remembered the missing child fondly. "The girl was so sweet, so young," Coleman said. "I'm hoping that the baby didn't see anything that could scar her for life. My prayers are just with the family," she said.

Garcia's 14-year-old daughter — Daleza's older sister — has been rallying community support in the search for the missing child, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The Amber Alert for Daleza Fregoso remains active. Anyone with information on the child or Ruben Fregoso is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.