🧭 A Disappearance That Shook the Community
On the evening of April 6, 2025, 12-year-old Liliyia Cruz vanished under mysterious circumstances near the 3700 block of Trailrock Place, close to Cheyenne Meadows and South Nevada Avenue in the southern part of Colorado Springs. She was last seen around 9:30 p.m, wearing a black hoodie and black sweatpants, after a brief conversation with her mother. No one expected that would be the last time they’d see her.
Liliyia, an Indigenous American girl, is approximately 5'1" tall and weighs 120 pounds, with brown eyes and long brown hair. Known for being sweet, respectful, and academically gifted, she was adored by her teachers and friends. She shared a close bond with her mother and grandmother, often helping out at home and caring for her younger brother.
When Liliyia didn’t return home at her usual time and couldn’t be reached, her family quickly sensed something was wrong. After an hour of unanswered calls and messages, they began contacting neighbors and friends before reporting her missing to the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Her sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through the local community. Volunteers immediately organized search parties late into the night, combing nearby streets, parks, and open spaces. Many residents put their lives on hold, armed with flashlights and flyers, clinging to the hope that Liliyia was still nearby.
Police issued an emergency alert and widely circulated her photo and physical description across social media and local news outlets. With every hour that passed, worry and helplessness grew heavier for her family and those following the case.
🕯️ Community and Police Efforts to Bring Her Home
Once alerted, the Colorado Springs Police Department acted swiftly-mobilizing search teams and calling for public assistance. Local organizations, volunteers, and citizens united to share information online, distribute flyers, and support search efforts in the area where she was last seen.
Thankfully, after 10 long days of tireless searching, on April 16, 2025, Liliyia Cruz was found safe. Her return was officially confirmed through the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Facebook page, bringing immense relief to her loved ones and community.
🔴 MMIW: A Movement Seeking Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls
Although Liliyia’s story had a hopeful ending, her case remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis. Across the United States and Canada, thousands of Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered-many of these cases still lack justice and proper closure.
The MMIW movement is not only about raising awareness-it’s a call to action. It urges individuals, communities, and governments to recognize the systemic neglect and work toward meaningful solutions that protect vulnerable lives and honor those who have been lost.
💡 How You Can Help
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Become a volunteer: Join awareness campaigns like #ShareYourVoice to distribute flyers and help spread vital information about missing persons.
👉 [Volunteer Registration Link] -
Share their stories: Use your platform to amplify stories like Liliyia’s, and bring attention to those who are still missing.
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Read and recommend: 📚 TakeNote – Justice for MMIW is a powerful book that offers deep insight into the MMIW crisis and how we can collectively respond.
🌼 Conclusion: Every Small Action Sparks a Larger Hope
Liliyia Cruz’s story shows the power of unity in the face of fear. Though she was found safe, thousands of Indigenous women and girls are still missing, waiting for justice and recognition. Let her story inspire us to continue fighting for the voiceless.
Let’s speak out, act, and stand together—because no one should be forgotten.