A missing Charlottesville 12-year-old was safely located in Chicago by federal and local authorities less than two weeks after she went missing. Lorena Sanchez-Toledo had been gone since April 15, after she came home from Buford Middle School. She was last seen near her home in the Meadows Neighborhood.
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Three days later, an abandoned red 1997 Mitsubishi was found nearby and the owner, identified as Jeremias Chagala-Mil, immediately became the chief suspect. Chagala-Mil, 5’4" and 150 pounds, was located with the girl in Illinois. Sanchez-Toledo is reportedly in good health while Chagala-Mil is in custody facing local and federal charges.
“We are extremely pleased that we were able to resolve this case safely. We are looking forward to returning Lorena to her parents and her school where she belongs,” said Chief Tim Longo of the Charlottesville Police in a press release. “This effort could not have been successful without the great partnership with the FBI, other local authorities, Buford Middle School and with the assistance and participation of the public.”
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