Authorities have confirmed that 17-year-old Cynthia Sword went missing from a group home in Maricopa on January 8, 2025, igniting a frantic search led by her family.

Cynthia is currently listed as a missing person on national databases, including the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Her aunt, Roberta Felix, is urgently seeking information that could aid in Cynthia’s safe return. “I need to know where my niece is; no one has heard from her,” Felix told InMaricopa. “I’m not her legal guardian, but I am family, and I’m worried.”

Cynthia, a ward of the state, had been living in the group home prior to her disappearance. Felix noted that Cynthia has struggled with addiction issues and was last seen with a light-skinned Hispanic male, described as having long hair and light brown eyes, known as Carlos or “Lil Joker.” However, Phoenix Police have differing details regarding this description.

Felix recounted that Cynthia spent time in a juvenile detention facility in Chandler before her transfer to the group home, where she attended Maricopa High School. The family learned of her disappearance three weeks ago from the Department of Child Safety, leading to growing concerns about the timeline, as DCS has not yet confirmed these details. “There’s a full month between Sword’s disappearance and the family being notified,” Felix expressed.

The family’s situation has been complicated by personal tragedies. Cynthia’s father passed away, and her mother, facing her own struggles, was unable to care for her. Despite efforts to keep them together, Cynthia ended up in state care. “She’s just a little girl; she’s quiet. My sister isn’t a healthy person. I said stuff like this was going to happen,” Felix lamented.

The family is increasingly fearful for Cynthia’s safety, especially in light of recent cases involving missing teens with tragic results. Felix drew a parallel to Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache teenager whose body was found after she also disappeared from a group home. “We heard what happened to Emily Pike,” she said.

While last seen in Maricopa, Cynthia’s missing persons report was filed in Phoenix. “Phoenix [Police] has not requested our assistance with this case,” noted Maricopa Police Spokeswoman Monica Williams, adding to the families’ frustrations.

With mounting urgency, the family is calling on law enforcement and community members to be vigilant. “We have to notify every county,” Felix asserted. “I am going to do whatever I need to do to find her.”

Anyone with information about Cynthia’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department’s non-emergency line at 602-262-6151 or call 911.

It is important to note that Phoenix Police indicate Cynthia was last seen in the area of 9400 N. 25th Avenue, wearing gray basketball shorts and an orange shirt. However, Felix maintains she was last seen in Maricopa.