unknown

April 2, 2026

Arizona girl who vanished 32 years ago has been found alive, sheriff says

Updated on: April 2, 2026 / 9:51 AM EDT / CBS News

Arizona girl who vanished 32 years ago has been found alive, sheriff says

TL;DR

  • Christina Marie Plante vanished from Star Valley, Arizona, in May 1994, at the age of 13.
  • She was last seen walking to a stable where her horse was kept.
  • Initial extensive search efforts by the Gila County Sheriff's Office did not yield viable leads.
  • The case remained open for decades and was eventually handled by a cold case unit.
  • Advances in technology and investigative techniques led to a breakthrough, resulting in Plante being found alive.
  • Her identity has been confirmed, and her missing person status is officially resolved.
  • The sheriff's office emphasized the importance of cold case initiatives and evolving technology in solving such cases.