A birthmark has reignited hopes of finding Rolando Salas Jusino, known as "Rolandito," who was reported missing as a child 25 years ago in Puerto Rico.
"New information has come to light that we've been working on for several months, leading us outside of Puerto Rico and helping us identify a person," said Alexis Torres, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety (DSP), to local media, without providing further details that could "compromise the investigation."
The official noted that the case has gained new momentum following the revitalization of Interpol's operations in Puerto Rico.
Renewed Investigative Efforts
"I must say that in this particular case, the information and intelligence have been crucial," based on "specific data" related to characteristics that are "very similar to the last photo of Rolandito," stated the DSP Secretary.
"There are some physical similarities, but there are also investigative aspects being carried out, corroborating certain data," he added, highlighting that prior intelligence work has been instrumental in reaching their current position.
This newfound lead has given Rolando Salas Cardona, Rolandito's father, renewed hope of finding his son, who would turn 30 this October.
"The next step for them (the police) is to travel to the state where this person is located and conduct a DNA test," the father revealed, noting that this lead is the "greatest hope" he has had of finding his son alive.
The renewed interest in the case was sparked by an individual who claims to work with Salas Jusino and asserts that "he is Rolandito," as explained by the father during an interview with TeleOnce.
"We are working to locate this person to see if we can perform a DNA test," said Robert Ramos, head of the Puerto Rican Criminal Investigations Corps, in an exclusive interview with Telemundo New England.
Ramos indicated that the person believed to be 'Rolandito' is in one of the northeastern states of the United States.
This official confirmed that over the years, numerous leads have emerged. Among them were claims of the child's death and burial in various locations. Others asserted that the child was alive in the Dominican Republic, while another lead placed him in the United States.
"Rolandito" disappeared from the park in the Colinas del Plata neighborhood in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, on July 7, 1999. He was 4 years old at the time.
One of the main suspects in the disappearance was the child's stepfather, Roberto Gotay, who had told the mother, "I will hurt you where it hurts the most," days before. On July 10, he claimed it was a "joke."
In October 1999, the search for the child began in the United States, thanks to an interagency group comprising the police, Interpol, and the FBI.
Since then, several leads have been received; however, it is particularly notable that each time authorities attempted to approach the person, they disappeared.
"We had him located at a certain point, but we lost the trail. Now we are readjusting our investigations and are closer to finding the person," added Laura Peña, director of Interpol in Puerto Rico, to Telemundo Puerto Rico.
"Unfortunately, when we arrive, the person has moved, and it takes time to locate them again or receive information. These are red flags for us because it is not normal for someone to quit their job and disappear immediately after an approach," Torres added.
Key Questions Surrounding Rolandito's Case
The recent developments in the case of Rolandito have raised several important questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide further clarity.
What new evidence has emerged in Rolandito's case?
A birthmark has emerged as a crucial piece of evidence, leading investigators to a person outside of Puerto Rico who resembles the last known photo of Rolandito.
Why is Interpol involved in the investigation?
Interpol's involvement has revitalized the case, providing international support and resources to help locate the missing individual believed to be Rolandito.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
Authorities plan to travel to the state where the person of interest is located to conduct a DNA test to confirm if he is indeed Rolandito.