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Authorities in southern Alabama are actively searching for a mother and her two children who disappeared under mysterious circumstances over the weekend.
The investigation kicked off on Saturday morning when a concerned neighbor called 911 after Aurelia Choc Cac failed to respond to his knock as she usually did for her morning ride to work, according to WALA.
“I went inside their house because we have that kind of neighborly relationship. But, no one was answering,” Maurice Simmons told the dispatcher during the call.
Simmons, who mentioned to WALA that Choc neither drives nor owns a vehicle, also informed the dispatcher he last saw her around 7:30 p.m. the previous evening. There was no indication from her that she would be absent from work the next day.
Choc’s 17-year-old daughter, Niurka, and her 2-year-old son, Anthony, are also missing.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said deputies found no signs of forced entry at the home — but that they also found blood.
“It was blood throughout the house but not large quantities,” the sheriff said. “There was obviously some kind of struggle, based on the scene. Mattress was gone, clothes throughout the bedroom that appeared to be dumped out and hampers missing.”
Local, state, and now federal authorities have joined the search.
The sheriff’s office said that Choc’s ex-boyfriend — and the toddler’s father — was initially consider a person of interest but dropped that designation after he was taken into custody on outstanding warrants and questioned in Texas on Sunday.
Investigators said they’re checking surveillance footage from around the Choc’s home.
The sheriff’s office said they believe the family was taken against their will and “could be in danger.” Anyone with information should contact the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office 251-574-8633.