Major Investigation Underway for Missing Teen in North Augusta
In North Augusta, a pressing and heart-wrenching investigation is ongoing for a missing teenager, Belinda Sanchez, who vanished earlier this month shortly after being dropped off at school by her mother. The North Augusta Police Department is actively pursuing leads and believes that Belinda may be in Florida with her 20-year-old boyfriend, Marlon Ronaldo Trochez, an immigrant from Honduras. It’s important to note that Belinda and her family also hail from Honduras, and they are facing an emotional rollercoaster as they search for their beloved daughter and sister.
Concerning Call to Her Mother
Just two weeks ago, a frantic phone call from Belinda to her mother, Loren Sanchez, shocked the family. During this phone call, Belinda was in tears, sounding frightened, and abruptly ended the conversation. This desperate cry for help has escalated the concern for her safety as police begin to piece together the events that led to her disappearance.
The investigation took a disturbing turn when police, while interviewing Belinda’s friends, expressed their fears that she might be a victim of human trafficking. Her cousin, Jesus Sanchez, spoke out about his worries regarding Trochez, describing him as someone “illegally” in the country who has been troublesome for the community. He expressed disbelief that Belinda would willingly leave her family, stating, “She would not leave with him forever without telling her mom.”
Details Unraveled
According to reports, on September 4th, the faculty at North Augusta High School alerted the police when Loren Sanchez reported that Belinda had been missing after she had dropped her daughter off that morning. School administrators confirmed that Belinda had not attended any of her classes that day. Loren later discovered through Snapchat that Belinda’s last known location led her to a trailer park in Clearwater, but she lost track when Belinda switched off her location settings.
Things grew more concerning as Loren learned from the authorities that Belinda, alongside another girl, had been picked up by Trochez and another male in a BMW at a park next to the high school. The girls were supposed to enjoy a day at a nearby lake, which, as fate would have it, was closed. As they ventured out, Trochez reportedly asked the girls to put on blindfolds, but they wisely refused.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
On the night following this incident, Belinda called her mother from a blocked number, again in tears and expressing that she felt unwell. This brief call was the last anyone has heard from her. Since then, the family has been in utter chaos. Loren Sanchez is struggling to cope with the disappearance of her daughter while trying to care for Belinda’s two younger siblings. Anyone who knows a mother’s love can only imagine how heartbroken Loren is.
Friend’s Revelation
In a follow-up conversation on September 13th, officers spoke to Belinda’s friend, who became emotional upon learning the implications of Belinda’s situation and admitted that another friend was still in contact with Belinda, and they were out of state. This has raised additional concerns about what might be happening to Belinda.
The North Augusta community is rallying together to help find Belinda Sanchez. The police have released a missing persons flyer and are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. If you or someone you know can help, please contact the North Augusta Department of Public Safety at 803-279-2121, option 1. The search for Belinda continues, and with every passing day, the urgency to find her grows.
In times like these, it’s essential that we all keep an eye out for one another. The community’s awareness and willingness to act can make all the difference.
