Diana Cojocari: Mom of Madalina Cojocari drove to remote area in mountains after 11-yr-old went missing
CORNELIUS, NORTH CAROLINA: A new development in the missing case of Madalina Cojocari, 11, a sixth grader who was last seen on November 21, 2022, suggests her mother Diana Cojocari, drove to a remote area in the mountains following her disappearance. The cops believe the trip took place after Madalina was last seen on November 21, but before she was reported missing on December 15.
Cornelius Police Department wrote on Twitter, "One of the family members was in the Madison County area of NC. We are seeking firsthand eyewitness information from anyone who may have seen this Prius or a white female in the Madison Co area." The statement by the North Carolina cops further read, "We are seeking firsthand eyewitness information from anyone who may have seen a Toyota Prius or a white female in the area between the dates of November 22nd to December 15th, 2022."
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The statement by the police further read, “You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov." Two photos of the mother standing in a mountainous area with heavy woods behind her were released with the statement.
One of the family members was in the Madison County area of NC. We are seeking firsthand eyewitness information from anyone who may have seen this Prius or white female in the Madison Co area.
— Cornelius Police Department (@CorneliusPD) January 6, 2023
If you have info that could help, please contact the CPD at 704-892-7773. #FindMadalina pic.twitter.com/lRkgtdfpTt
This is the last time investigators have independent confirmation of when Madalina was last seen. She got off the bus on 11-21-22, at 4:59 p.m. We are seeking additional witnesses outside of the family to narrow down the exact timeline of when she disappeared. #FindMadalina pic.twitter.com/dkStKHmjjB
— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) December 20, 2022
The update comes after the arrest of the 11-year-old's mother Diana and stepfather Christopher Palmiter on December 17 for failing to report the disappearance of the girl for three weeks. They claimed that they saw her last on the night of November 23.
The couple appeared in front of a virtual court on December 20 and are being held on a $250K bond with the district attorney’s office, indicating that Diana hindered the investigation and "begrudgingly" reported her missing, while Christopher is being held on a $200K bond which has been increased from an initial $100K, as reported by Queen City News.
Anyone with information on Madalina's whereabouts has been urged to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773 or the North Mecklenburg Crimestoppers at 704-896-7867.