9 years ago, he disappeared without a trace
Angel Garcia’s mother and Hartford police haven’t given up on finding him
Every time Laura Suazo of Hartford sees an unfamiliar number on her cellphone, she can’t resist taking the call. It could be someone with news about her son, who disappeared in 2011 at age 19, she said.
On Tuesday, the day before the nine-year anniversary of Angel Garcia’s disappearance, Suazo, city leaders, police and other members of the community gathered for a tree-planting at Pope Park to mark the solemn occasion.
But the donated Sweetgum tree is not a living memorial, Suazo said. To the contrary, she said, “This is hope.”
“The tree planting means there is hope. Never give up. There is always that possibility that he still could be alive,” she said.
Described by his mother as happy, respectful and big-hearted, Garcia was last seen on Oct. 21, 2011, riding a dirt bike in a wooded area on the city’s east side, near the Connecticut River. Henever returned and his family never heard from him. There was no activity on his cellphone or bank accounts, according to lostnmissing.org.
That was unusual, police learned. Garcia got along with his family and wasn’t likely to run away.
“That put up some red flags,” Lt. Paul Cicero said.
Police searched extensively, Suazo said, searching “by land, by air, by water, by foot, by horses.” They also used all-terrain vehicles. Detectives interviewed Garcia’s many friends as well.
“We chased dozens and dozens of leads up and down the East Coast,” Cicero said. But none led to Garcia or even his red Honda dirt bike.
The case has had some national exposure. MauryPovich interviewed Suazo, and Garcia was the subject of an Investigation Discovery show called “Lost Angel.”
Sgt. Anthony Rykowski, whowasassigned the case as a detective, held onto it even after he was promoted to sergeant. He still keeps the file on his desk, Cicero said.
Suazo said Rykowski is “awesome.”
“At least once a month, he always calls,” she said.
Rykowski helped plant the tree at the ceremony Tuesday. It was donated by KNOX, a Hartford-based nonprofit that uses horticulture as a catalyst for community engagement.
Suazo lives near the colorful tree and plans to visit it often.
“As I watch it grow, I could feel my faith growing,” she said. “I can’t focus on the negative because I don’t have time for that. I have to focus on the positive to keep my mind clear.”
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Angel Garcia is asked to call the tips line at 860-722-8477 (TIPS).