13-year-old Arizona girl missing for decades found alive: sheriff

PHOENIX – Officials with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office say a person who went missing decades ago has been found alive.

What we know:

According to a statement posted to the agency’s social media page on April 1, Christina Marie Plante was found alive after she was reported missing in May 1994.

“Investigators have confirmed her identity, and her status as a missing person has been officially resolved,” read a portion of the statement.

The backstory:

Investigators said Plante was 13 when she disappeared from the community of Star Valley. The community is located near the Payson area.

“At the time of her disappearance, extensive search efforts were conducted involving local law enforcement, volunteers, and regional resources,” read a portion of the statement. “Despite exhaustive ground searches, interviews, and investigative follow-up, no viable leads were developed.”

Missing persons flyer for 13-year-old Christina Plante. (Gila County Sheriff’s Office)

Plante, investigators say, was entered into national missing children databases, and missing person flyers were distributed statewide and in other parts of the country.

What they’re saying:

Officials said technological advances, modern investigative techniques and detailed case review were utilized, which allowed detectives to develop new leads that ultimately led to a breakthrough in the case.

“This case underscores the importance of cold case review initiatives and the impact of evolving technology in bringing long-awaited answers to families and communities,” read a portion of the statement.

What we don’t know:

Officials say additional details in the case will not be released at this time, out of respect for Plante’s privacy and well-being.

Where Star Valley is located