HARLINGEN — Nahomi Rodriguez, 19, has been missing for more than a month and the case is gaining national attention.
Yesterday, HLN Network’s Nancy Grace posted the Harlingen Police Departments plea for help in finding the young woman to Facebook.
So far, the post has garnered about 925 reactions, 101 comments and more than 2,500 shares on Facebook.
The social media post has been shared all over the United States.
Police are not stopping their search.
Just recently, Harlingen police have released a photo of what the car she got into might have looked like when she went missing. Police say it could be a light gray or silver colored SUV, possibly a Ford Escape 2001 to 2003 year model.
They continue to do all they can to locate the lifelong San Benito resident who was last seen on July 17 at 1:30 a.m. Investigators are working diligently with local, state, and federal agencies following leads all over the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico regarding this case.
“Our family appreciates the extra effort,” Enedina Sanchez, Nahomi’s aunt, stated in a text message to the Valley Morning Star. “Again, time is not our friend. We need all the help from the citizens of the RGV. Please help us find our baby girl.”
Last week, police released on social media a 14-second video showing Nahomi serving at the drive-through the person police believe she later left the McDonald’s with.
The video shows Rodriguez at the drive-through window of the fast food restaurant filling a cup with soda.
She leans over and looks out the window and it appears she knows the driver because moments later they share a fist bump.
Police investigators also are conducting follow-up interviews and talking to possible witnesses in an effort to find new information.
An electronic billboard located on the frontage road next to Harlingen Medical Center has been activated in an effort to find Nahomi.
“We continue to partner daily with county, state and federal authorities,” Harlingen Police Chief Jeffry Adickes stated on his Facebook page. “We continue to work for Nahomi.”
Nahomi was leaving her job after her shift at McDonald’s, located at 602 N. 77 Sunshine Strip in Harlingen.
At about 12:30 a.m., Nahomi’s family reported she told her mother, with whom she lives, that she had found a ride home.
Although her mother waited, she never made it.
Initial reports stated she left in a dark truck or SUV with two men. But later, that appeared to not be the case.
Instead, she appeared to have left in a light gray newer model light over dark Ford Escape, with a man she knew. That, all according to the video surveillance at McDonald’s.
“The suspect made a fist-punch with my niece as soon as he approached the drive-through window,” Sanchez said. “Therefore, he knows my niece.”
The two had a conversation at the window, but it was what the family saw in the video that was disturbing.
“We are able to see this ‘man,’ not a teenager, wearing a white cap with a black T-shirt and his left arm is fully seen and he seems to be a big man,” Sanchez stated.
The video shows Nahomi waiting by the front door for her ride to arrive around 1:30 a.m. and steps out of the restaurant.
Other video views in the parking lot show the same Ford Escape arriving and parking where the camera didn’t reach. The video then shows the vehicle reverse and drive off on Washington Avenue, passing by St. Paul’s Church, Sanchez states.
If anyone believes they may have information about her disappearance or the vehicle, contact: Harlingen Police Department Investigator Palafox at 956-873-0380, or the Crime stoppers line at 956-425-8477.
Callers may remain anonymous.
