DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - Family and friends are holding on to hope as they continued to search for a South Florida mother and her 9-year-old daughter, nearly two weeks after they went missing.
Eduardo Moreno said he strives to keep an optimistic outlook as the search continues for his sister, 43-year-old Liliana Moreno, and his niece, Daniela Moreno. “We have hope, and I think this is more important than other things,” he said.
On Saturday, Eduardo Moreno and a handful of volunteers scoured a lake near Interstate 75 in Hialeah with the help of private investigator Scott Vega. “We need more information. We need [to] know what happened in this place, what happened with my sister and my niece,” he said.
Saturday’s search, however, did not yield any findings.
The volunteers’ efforts come days after underwater recovery teams, police dogs and crime scene investigators searched West Miami-Dade near the Dolphin Mall. Earlier this week, teams also combed the swamp just north of Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, but came up empty-handed.
Meanwhile, community members have gathered to pray for the missing mother and daughter “We want to try and find her alive, but as days go by it’s a little difficult,” said Vega.
Vega lent three of his dogs to help the family in their search. “They’re devastated,” he said. “They want to find their loved ones.”
Police said Liliana’s apartment in Doral showed signs of a quick departure. Her wallet, keys and car are still there. Investigators suspect foul play, but they have not named a suspect.
The missing girl’s father, Gustavo Castaño, lost his right eye after a run-in with police, June 2. The incident took place behind a Home Depot in Hialeah Gardens.
Officers said they had to use a Taser because Castaño was threatening to hurt himself with a box cutter.
While he continues to recover, the volunteers out searching for Liliana and Daniela in Hialeah said they’ll continue to look until they find answers. “You just got to keep searching,” said Vega. “You’ve got to keep searching until you can’t search no more.”
If you have any information about his case that could help investigators, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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