Missing Forsyth Girl, Mom Found Safe In Mexico; Father Arrested

Cumming GA

29 December, 2021

5:02 PM

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CUMMING, GA — A 6-year-old girl and her mother, who police say were taken against their will by the girl's father, were reported missing early Tuesday morning and found safe Wednesday afternoon — but in another country. Alex Zecena-Lopez, 55, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the kidnapping of his daughter, Rachel Zecena, 6, and her mom, Balvanera Esperanza Parada-Olivas, 45, Cumming police said. An Amber alert had been issued early Tuesday for Rachel, and police said they believed Zecena-Lopez had taken Rachel and her mom against their will. The girl and Parada-Olivas were found safe in Mexico and were back in the U.S. with law enforcement officials as of Wednesday afternoon, Cumming police said. Zecena-Lopez was arrested and is awaiting extradition to the U.S. "This is still an ongoing investigation and we will only release limited details, but I am very thankful to the U.S. Marshals and FBI for all the hard work they put into helping track down Esperanza and Rachel and bringing them home safely," Cumming police said on Facebook. Related: Amber Alert Issued For Girl, 6, After 'Taken Against Will' By Dad