Dulce Maria Alavez disappearance marks 6th anniversary, as AI tools revive New Jersey search

Dulce was 5 years old when she vanished from a Bridgeton playground in 2019.

The search for Dulce Maria Alavez marked its sixth anniversary on Tuesday, as investigators look to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help them unravel the mystery of her disappearance in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Dulce was only 5 years old when she vanished from Bridgeton City Park on the afternoon of Sept. 16, 2019. She was last seen playing on the swings with her 3-year-old brother before he returned by himself to their mother's car 30 yards away.

According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, investigators are using AI technologies in the hope of uncovering new leads in the case.

"During the past year, case agents have worked closely with the New Jersey State Police Special Investigations Section. Under this new initiative, new investigators are reviewing all of the evidence that has been collected since the inception of this matter," County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said in a release. "In addition, the NJSP has begun to process the case through artificial intelligence anticipating that it will develop new lines of investigation."

Dulce would be 11 years old today. Prosecutors are still seeking a person of interest, described as a white or Hispanic male who was wearing orange sneakers, red pants and a black shirt at the time. He was reportedly seen leaving the playground with a red van that had dark tinted windows and a sliding rear passenger door, investigators said.

"We will not rest until we solve this mystery," Webb-McRae said in Tuesday's statement. "Anyone who was out in the park on the day of Dulce’s disappearance may have the puzzle piece that breaks this case wide open."

Members of the public can submit tips to the prosecutor's office or call 833-465-2653.

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