A six-year-old boy who was abducted from Oakland, California, USA, in 1951 has been reunited with his family after 73 years. Luis Armando Albino was found thanks to the tireless efforts of his niece, Alida Alequin.
Luis, who was one of five siblings, was playing in a park in West Oakland when he was lured away by a woman promising him candy. The woman then took him across the country to New York City, where he was raised as her own son.
Luis’ mother never gave up hope of finding him, but she passed away in 2005 without knowing what had happened.
Earlier this year, Alida used DNA testing and newspaper clippings to search for her long-lost uncle. With the help of local police, the FBI, and the Department of Justice, she was able to piece together the clues and find Luis.
Luis, now 79, has led a full life, including serving in the Marine Corps and becoming a father and grandfather.
Alida organized a reunion for Luis and his brother, Roger, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. The brothers were able to spend time together before Roger’s death in August.
Alida reflected: “I think he died happily. He was at peace with himself, knowing that his brother was found. I was just so happy I was able to do this for him and bring him closure and peace.”
Alida said that she was determined to find her uncle and that her story could offer hope to other families going through similar experiences. She encouraged people to never give up.
“I’m so happy that I was able to do this for my mom and (uncle). It was a very happy ending,” she said.
“I was always determined to find him, and who knows, with my story out there, it could help other families going through the same thing. I would say, don’t give up.”
Luis has not spoken to the media but has some memories of the kidnapping. He was never told why he was abducted or what was happening. The people he believed were his parents have since died.
