US police from the northwest state of Washington are currently searching for a woman who was filmed in a viral TikTok in Mexico, because it might be a big lead in a missing persons case from nearly two decades ago.
Police suspect the woman, who was interviewed by the TikToker @akayalla in Culiacán in the Mexico state of Sineloa back in March, may be missing woman Sofia Juárez, who was abducted a day before her fifth birthday in 2003.
As per CNN, TikTok users reported the video to police when they realised she matched the approximate age and appearance of Sofia.
In the TikTok, which is entirely in Spanish, the woman is asked about her next birthday, and she says that she’s 22 and hates birthdays. She then claims she’s been kidnapped and doesn’t know where she’s from, but she hopes her family is watching the video.
Police in Kennewick, just west of Portland, have established a website for the continued search of Sofia Juárez and have issued a statement noting they are aware of the TikTok interview.
“We are aware of the TikTok video. Investigation is being conducted into that,” a statement released on March 22 read.
“Thank you to those who sent information on that video to us. It is appreciated.”
On May 5, Kennewick Police released more information about their investigation into Sofia’s disappearance, confirming they’re still following the lead the TikTok presented, and previously unknown information and names have been provided to them through over 75 callers and tip offs.
Special Investigator Al Wehner also told CNN they’re hoping to track down the unidentified woman to get a DNA sample to compare it to Sofia’s DNA they have on file, and said there are some “very obvious similarities” between the viral TikTok interviewee and the missing girl.
