Mother, Stepfather of 11-Year-Old Girl Missing 3 1/2 Weeks Arrested for Failure to Report Disappearance

Police in North Carolina have arrested the mother and stepfather of an 11-year-old middle school student who has been missing since November 23.

Diana Cojocari, 35, and Christopher Palmiter, 60, didn’t report Madalina Cojocari missing until Wednesday, however, when they reported her disappearance to the Bailey Middle School resource officer, as CrimeOnline previously reported. Madalina’s last day at school was November 22.

Diana Colocari and Palmiter were charged Saturday with failure to report the disappearance of a child, the Cornelius Police Department said, and are being held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Cornelius police launched an investigation into the disappearance on Thursday, and the FBI and North Carolina State Bureua of Investigation joined the search later in the day.

Madelina is described as 4 feet 10 inches tall and about 90 pounds with dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing jeans, pink, purple, and white Adidas shoes, and a white T-shirt and jacket.

Police ask anyone with information to call the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773. To remain anonymous, call North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867.

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[Featured image: Madalina Cojocari/police handout]