The Disappearance of Lucia Perez
40 year old Lucia Chilel Perez was last seen in Worthington, Minnesota in late June 2011. She disappeared after leaving the area with an acquantaince to look for a job.
Background
Lucia is a Guatemalan immigrant who came to the United States to make a better life for herself and her three sons. She was unable to obtain a driver’s license due to Minnesota law, so she relied on others for transportation.
Disappearance
In late June 2011, Lucia Perez was last seen in Worthington, Minnesota. She left the area to look for a job, and hasn’t spoken to loved ones since.
She was last known to be traveling with 33 year old Bernardino Ramirez-Perez, who drove her to northwest Iowa from Worthington in his maroon Buick Century.
On June 27, 2011, Lucia was in Lake Park, Iowa, looking for employment with Ramirez-Perez. The two stopped at several businesses in the area and applied for jobs. It is believed they may have traveled to Rock Valley, Iowa the same day.
Ramirez-Perez returned to Worthington alone in late June, with a large scratch on his face. When asked about Lucia, he claimed she had been detained in Hull, Iowa for an immigration problem, though that story was proven false.
Lucia’s phone last pinged in northwest Iowa before going dead.
Investigation
Authorities processed Ramirez-Perez’s vehicle, but were but were unable to find any evidence of foul play. He is considered a person of interest in Lucia’s disappearance.
“To date, we’re still searching for a clue or a sign of where she might be,” Worthington’s Detective Sergeant Flynn told the Daily Globe. “We have no crime scene and absolutely nothing on which to base a physical search.”
At the time of Lucia’s disappearance, Ramirez-Perez had two warrants out for his arrest; one for kidnapping and sexual assault, and one for domestic violence.
Ramirez-Perez had been deported from the United States in 2004, but was back by 2006 and facing charges of domestic assault. He left Worthington shortly after Lucia disappeared, and authorities do not know his current whereabouts.
On July 8, 2011, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension designated Lucia an endangered missing person, and asked newspapers to publish news of her disappearance in case anyone knew her whereabouts.
Police are asking southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa residents to call in any information that may lead to Ramirez Perez.
Appearance
Hispanic female with black hair and brown eyes. Lucia stands 5’2 tall and weighs 120-140 pounds.
Clothing & Accessories:
Lucia was last seen wearing an ankle-length denim skirt, a black short sleeved blouse with white decorations, and a black backpack.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Lucia Perez please contact the Worthington Police Department at (507) 295-5400.
