Milwaukee police locate 17-year-old Aurora Sandoval and infant Athena after critically missing report

What happened

Milwaukee police reported in May 2024 that a 17-year-old girl and her infant child were missing under circumstances that led authorities to classify the pair as “critically missing.” The teenager, Aurora Sandoval, and her child, Athena Sandoval, had last been in contact with a youth specialist on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 3:40 p.m. near North 44th Street and West Townsend Street in Milwaukee.

Police issued a public request for assistance after that last verified contact. At the time of the alert, investigators provided identifying information about both the teenager and the baby to help the public recognize them and report potential sightings.

Identification details released during the search

During the search, Aurora Sandoval was described as a Hispanic female, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and about 170 pounds, with black hair featuring blue streaks and bangs, and brown eyes. Police also noted distinguishing facial marks and reported she had last been seen wearing a black hooded jacket, black shirt, and black shoes.

Athena Sandoval was described as an infant with dark hair.

Outcome and timeline

Police later announced that both Aurora Sandoval and Athena Sandoval were found safe. The update was issued on Friday, May 17, 2024, bringing the public search to an end. Authorities did not publicly release additional details on where the pair was located, the circumstances of their disappearance, or whether any enforcement action followed the recovery.

How critically missing alerts typically function

In Milwaukee, “critically missing” alerts are generally used to quickly mobilize public awareness when investigators believe a missing person may be at heightened risk, including due to age, vulnerability, or concerning circumstances. Such alerts commonly rely on time-stamped last-contact information, location details, and physical descriptions to generate actionable leads.

What police asked the public to do

• Share verified identifying details to help locate the missing individuals.
• Report timely, specific information directly to law enforcement rather than relying on social media posts.
• Provide the location, time, and direction of travel when reporting a possible sighting.

If a child or vulnerable person is believed to be missing, law enforcement typically advises calling 911 in an emergency and contacting the appropriate police district for non-emergency tips.