Arizona Dad Fears for Daughter’s Safety as She Vanishes After Online Encounter in Iowa

PHOENIX — An urgent search is underway for 17-year-old Liliana Munguia, who vanished from her home in the Gila River Indian Community on August 5. Her father, Juan Munguia, is imploring the public for assistance in locating his daughter. Surveillance cameras captured Liliana leaving her family residence around 1:30 a.m., shortly before she boarded a flight from Mesa to Des Moines, Iowa.

Officials believe she traveled to meet an older man she connected with online. Juan expressed his fears, stating, “I’m worried I won’t be able to see her grow up to be the beautiful woman that she’s becoming.” The family deeply misses her presence, emphasizing their love and longing for her return.

Juan fears for her safety. “I’m scared she doesn’t have a place to rest tonight,” he said, articulating his concern about her well-being after her departure. As he attempts to piece together Liliana’s situation, he is unsure of how long she has been in contact with the individual she traveled to see.

After learning of Liliana’s arrival in Iowa, Juan immediately drove there and has been searching on foot ever since. His distress is palpable: “I wish I could just have a heart-to-heart with her.” He’s tirelessly engaging with locals in hopes of finding leads regarding her whereabouts.

Known for her compassion, Liliana has aspirations of becoming a teacher. Juan describes her as loving, noting that she has made rosaries for those in her life—a testament to her caring nature. As he continues his search, he wears a rosary she crafted as a reminder of her spirit and love.

Liliana is described as 5’2″ with long black hair and brown eyes. She has a mole on the left side of her neck and was last seen wearing a pink tank top and black and maroon Deadpool pajama pants.

Authorities including the Gila River Police Department, Des Moines Police Department, and the FBI are actively involved in the search. Juan has a heartfelt message for his daughter: “We just want her back. It’s dangerous out there, but we love her very much.”

Anyone with information about Liliana’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office at 623-466-1999 or submit a tip online.

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