Kevin Black: Missing Madalina Cojocari's case could be Cornelius PD chief's last before retirement
CORNELIUS, NORTH CAROLINA: Cornelius Police, FBI and the State Bureau of Investigation continue to search for Madalina Cojocari, a sixth-grader who was last seen at her home in Cornelius on the evening of Nov. 23. However, according to the Cornelius Police Department, the 11-year-old was not reported missing until three weeks later.
While it is unclear exactly who is leading the investigation into this case, we do know that the Chief of Police for the Cornelius Police Department is Kevin Black. This could also be Black's last case before he retires. His last official day is scheduled for January 1, 2023. The post will reportedly be taken over by Major David Baucom.
READ MORE
Heartbreaking final footage of 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari released as mom Diana's story shredded
Mystery of Missing Madalina Cojocari: New timeline reveals chilling details about 11-yr-old girl
Black held the titles of patrol officer, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant, field operations captain, services captain, major and chief, according to Lake Norman Publications. “To say he’ll be missed is a drastic understatement,” a statement from the town says of his retirement. “Kevin is an integral part of Cornelius and his leadership has shaped and transformed the department in innumerable ways.”
Black pursued multiple certificates and accolades while with the CPD, including the Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate, Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, and completion of the yearlong Management Development Program through the North Carolina Justice Academy. As chief, Black has served on the Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Advisory Group and the State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board.
According to Black's LinkedIn profile, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Lees-McRae College. He also attended Mitchell Community College, and Bandys High School.
Madalina’s mother, Diana Cojocari, recently said that she believed her husband put the family in danger. She and her husband, Christopher Palmiter, who is Madalina’s stepfather, had a argument on the night the little girl was last seen, court documents revealed. Palmiter drove to Michigan following the dispute, and three days later, he was told Madalina was missing.
The search to #FindMadalina continues. Her case is featured on https://t.co/p2RxF6UBoR as the "Most Wanted: Case of the Week." Please share the poster and if you have information to help find her, call the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773 or 1-800-Call FBI. pic.twitter.com/1fe5MEyPYR
— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) December 21, 2022
Diana told investigators she did not immediately report her daughter missing because she was afraid it would her relationship with her husband. Last week, Cornelius police arrested Diana and Palmiter for failing to report the disappearance of a child, according to officials.
Anyone with information on Madalina's whereabouts have been urged to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773 or the North Mecklenburg Crimestoppers at 704-896-7867.