Vigil held for vanished girl

BRIDGETON, N.J. — Dozens of people have attended a vigil for a 5-year-old girl believed to have been kidnapped from a southern New Jersey park.

Family, friends and supporters gathered Saturday night for a vigil at the park in Bridgeton where Dulce Maria Alavez disappeared Monday. Supporters lit candles, prayed, sang hymns and wore yellow, the color that Dulce was wearing when she went missing. A pastor prayed the girl’s abductor would “send this baby home.”

Dulce’s grandmother, Norma Perez, said, “I miss her. I need her.”

The missing girl and her 3year-old brother were playing at the park while their mother sat in her car with an 8-year-old relative.

Authorities believe the girl was taken by a man who led her to a red van.

There’s a $35,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

— Associated Press

The Pennsylvania departments of health and agriculture issued a warning Saturday after confirming eastern equine encephalitis in Erie, Carbon, and Monroe counties. The virus was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey.

The virus is carried by birds. Mosquitoes can transmit it to humans, horses and other birds.

Health officials say the infection is fatal in 30% of human cases. They’re urging people to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors by wearing mosquito repellent and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. Homeowners should also make sure window screens are in good condition and eliminate standing water around their properties.

— Associated Press The items reportedly disappeared between June 21 and Sept. 9.

A police spokesman told The New York Times that investigators haven’t identified a suspect and are looking at everyone with access to the building.

Trump plans to stay at his penthouse Sunday night. He’s to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

Reports of the thefts were first published by the New York Post.

— Associated Press