(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The family of Christopher Abeyta, a boy who disappeared from Colorado Springs in 1986, has renewed hope in solving the case after discovering new evidence related to his abduction.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recently released an age-progressed image of Christopher, depicting what he might look like at 39 years old. This development comes as the family claims to have uncovered substantial new evidence that could impact the investigation.

“It’s the evidence pertaining to the night my brother disappeared,” said Denise Alves, Christopher Abeyta’s sister. “We think it will propel his investigation.”

On July 15, 1986, Christopher Abeyta was taken from his crib at the family’s home in southwestern Colorado Springs during the night. He has not been seen since.

Alves, who has taken over the search after the passing of Christopher’s parents, said that her father had given police the name of a person they believed was stalking the family at the time of the kidnapping. However, she claims that officers never interviewed this individual.

“This person of interest has a relative who stated that he was her alibi that night. And the new information we have is that this individual, their story has changed,” Alves said.

The family is advocating for Governor Jared Polis to allow the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to take over the case from the Colorado Springs Police Department. “We don’t want this to be another missed opportunity,” said Alves.

Alves also urged anyone with knowledge of the kidnapper or who has kept secrets about the case to come forward, expressing a need for peace, even if Christopher is not alive.

The renewed push by Christopher Abeyta’s family highlights their determination to find answers nearly 40 years after his disappearance. With new evidence and a call for a fresh investigation, they hope to finally uncover the truth behind the decades-old mystery.

If you have any information regarding this case, contact CSPD or call NCMEC 1-800-the-lost.

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