4 Years later, Authorities Still Asking, ‘Where’s Dulce’?

It's hard for me to believe it has been four years since 5-year-old Dulce María Alavez disappeared from a Bridgeton playground on September 16, 2019. Authorities believe she was abducted.

This week, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office released a new digitally enhanced photo of what she would look like today, in the hope that someone may recognize the girl and come forward.

Dulce's Mom Has Regrets and Bad Memories

Young Dulce vanished while she was with her brother, just yards away from her mother who was sitting in a nearby vehicle.

Alavez Perez has often said she regrets letting her daughter leave her sight that day.

"It gives me bad memories because I wish I could go back to the time and come with her to the park and not leave her alone," she said.

While speaking with ABC News, Alavez Perez said there isn't a day she doesn't think about her daughter.

"I would say I'm sorry for not looking over her," she said while getting emotional.

Searches Have Come Up Empty

Searches began almost immediately and continued for weeks and months with no strong leads as to what happened to her.

It's known that some in the community were not the most cooperative with authorities, and many questions remain about what really happened.

How You Can Help

Anyone with any information can call the Bridgeton Police Department at 856-451-0033.

You can also report anonymous tips to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office by clicking here.

You can also call the FBI's Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit an anonymous tip to the agency online.