What happened to Michelle Longoria? It’s a question still haunting her family, along with investigators. It has been 12 years since she vanished in Atascosa County.
ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas — Longoria, a mother who lived in Charlotte, southwest of Jourdanton, was last seen in January 2014. Since then, multiple theories have circulated about what may have happened to her. Last year an investigator, with the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, told KENS 5 he believes foul play could be involved.
In her first public interview about the case, Longoria’s older sister, Mandy Longoria, described the emotional toll the disappearance has taken on the family.
“Her big ole’ smile,” Mandy Longoria said, pausing as she reflected on her sister. “She would walk into a room and light up the whole room.”
Michelle’s daughter, Chelsea Lara, was 16 years old the last time she saw her mother.
“It is confusing how to feel,” Lara said. “We celebrate and then we feel confused because we don’t know where she is.”
Family members said there have been rumors and speculation over the years, including one theory that Michelle may have been walking when someone picked her up. Despite the uncertainty, Mandy said the family believes someone knows what happened.
“Deep down, we know someone knows something,” she said. “And the way I see it, we are going to keep pushing.”
The family said they believe Michelle is no longer alive and that someone is responsible for her disappearance.
“It is enough already,” Mandy said. “Someone needs to come forward and say something.”
Lara said returning home to Charlotte is difficult, as she often wonders whether her mother could be nearby.
“All I ever think about is, is she around here? Is she on this back road? If we take this road, could we find her?” Lara said.
Despite their fears, the family said they hold on to faith and hope.
“I feel like something is going to happen,” Lara said. “I feel hope. I feel hope for the first time in a long time.”
Atascosa County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 830-769-2255. Tips can be made anonymously.