Terrified Face in Surveillance Footage: AMBER Alert for 5-Year-Old Daleyza Fregoso Abducted by Father Ruben After Mother’s Brutal Killing.
A statewide and international search remains underway for 5-year-old Daleyza Fregoso, who was allegedly abducted by her father Ruben Fregoso nearly one week ago in a case that has horrified Southern California and sparked an active AMBER Alert. Surveillance images from a San Ysidro parking lot near the U.S.-Mexico border show the heartbreaking scene: Ruben pulling his young daughter alongside him, suitcase in hand, as her small face displays unmistakable terror. Authorities believe Ruben may have killed the girl’s mother in their West Adams home before fleeing with the child.
The nightmare began in the early morning hours of May 24 or 25, 2026, in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles. Police responded to a welfare check and discovered the body of Daleyza’s 36-year-old mother, identified as Marisol Garcia Palacios, who had died from violence. Ruben Fregoso, 40, quickly became the primary suspect in her death and the abduction of their daughter. The family’s white 2019 Land Rover Discovery was later located abandoned in a parking area near the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
Disturbing surveillance footage captured Ruben and a visibly frightened Daleyza in a parking garage elevator and walking through the lot around 7:30 a.m. on the day of the disappearance. The images show the man holding the child’s hand while carrying luggage, suggesting they were preparing to cross into Mexico. The AMBER Alert, issued shortly after, described Daleyza as approximately 3 feet tall, weighing about 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing unknown clothing at the time.
Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged Ruben Fregosojuarez with one count of murder and a misdemeanor count of child abuse. Investigators allege he killed his girlfriend before abducting their daughter and attempting to flee the country. The case has triggered a multinational manhunt involving U.S. and Mexican authorities, with Baja California also activating its own AMBER Alert. Despite the vehicle being recovered, neither Ruben nor Daleyza has been located, raising fears for the child’s safety.
The terrified expression on Daleyza’s face in the surveillance stills has struck a chord with the public, prompting widespread concern that she may have witnessed the horror in her own home. Neighbors and family friends described the household as one that had faced challenges, but no one anticipated such violence. The community in West Adams has set up memorials for the slain mother, with flowers and messages honoring a woman whose life was cut short in front of or near her young daughter.
This case highlights the devastating intersection of domestic violence and child abduction. Domestic violence advocates stress that situations involving separation or custody can escalate rapidly, and children often become unintended victims or witnesses. Authorities urge anyone with information on Ruben Fregoso’s whereabouts or possible sightings of Daleyza to contact law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and the search continues across the border region.
Daleyza’s family and loved ones are pleading for her safe return. The little girl, described as bright and loving, is now at the center of an urgent international effort. The active AMBER Alert serves as a constant reminder that time is critical in these cases. Law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Mexican counterparts, are coordinating resources to track possible movements south of the border.
The surveillance images from San Ysidro have been widely circulated to aid in identification and generate tips. In one frame, Ruben appears determined while little Daleyza’s face tells a story of fear and confusion that no child should ever experience. Experts in child trauma note that witnessing violence against a parent can have lifelong psychological impacts, making the safe recovery of Daleyza even more pressing.
Broader discussions have emerged about improving response times for AMBER Alerts, enhancing border security coordination, and providing better support for families at risk of domestic violence. Community organizations in Los Angeles are offering resources to those in similar situations, emphasizing early intervention and safety planning. Vigils and prayer gatherings continue as supporters hold onto hope for a positive resolution.
As days pass since the abduction, the pain for Daleyza’s extended family grows. The mother’s death has left a void, while the uncertainty surrounding her daughter adds layers of anguish. Ruben Fregoso faces serious charges if apprehended, but the priority remains bringing the child home safely. The public’s attention on this case has generated thousands of shares and tips, showing the power of community awareness in missing child cases.
The AMBER Alert remains in effect across multiple counties and into Mexico. Anyone who spots a white Land Rover with the specific California plate or recognizes the individuals in the surveillance photos is asked to call 911 without hesitation. Law enforcement continues to review additional footage and leads in hopes of locating the pair.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers in some households and the vulnerability of young children caught in adult conflicts. Daleyza Fregoso deserves to grow up safe and loved, far from the fear captured in those haunting images. As the search intensifies, the collective hope is that this little girl will be found unharmed and reunited with those who care for her. The terror on her face in that San Ysidro parking lot footage has mobilized a region — now it must lead to her safe return.