Police are investigating after a Thornton, Colorado family did not return home on Monday, leaving behind their 5-year-old child. Officers were notified of the family’s disappearance on Tuesday evening.
Investigators said Liu Nei Li and Zaiqiao Feng told their 5-year-old that they were going to the grocery store Monday with their infant daughter, but they never came home. Around 9:30 p.m that evening, relatives found the 5-year-old outside the home in the 4000 block of East 130th Way. Neighbors said the family left in a “hurry” and tossed a duffel bag into the car.
Those relatives called police Tuesday evening and told authorities they’re not sure why the couple would take off with their 2-year-old daughter but leave the 5-year-old home alone. The family’s disappearance is a mystery to them, the relatives said to police.
According to police, Anny has an underlying medical condition that requires frequent medication and regular doctor visits.
Thornton police do not know whether the parents have that medication or when Anny last visited a doctor.
Thornton police searched the family’s home Wednesday night and found an illegal marijuana grow inside, but no sign of the family. Liu Nei Li and Zaiqiao Feng were last seen driving a 2008 grey Toyota Highlander with Colorado license 231-REZ.
Anyone with information about the family or their whereabouts is asked to call the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5150
UPDATE – The family missing from Thornton since Monday morning were found near the U.S.-Mexico border south of San Diego, the Thornton Police Department said Friday evening.
The adults are being held in the San Diego, California area awaiting extradition to Colorado on child abuse and drug charges. The child is safe and in protective custody. Investigation is still on going. No further details are available at this time.