Tue Sep 24 03:47:14 UTC 2024: ## 73 Years Later, Kidnapped Boy Reunites with Family in Emotional Reunion
**Oakland, CA** – In a heartwarming story of resilience and hope, a California man abducted as a child over seven decades ago has been reunited with his family. Luis Armando Albino, who was kidnapped from a West Oakland park in 1951 at the age of six, spent 73 years separated from his loved ones before a chance DNA test led to his discovery.
The harrowing incident occurred on February 21, 1951, when a woman lured young Luis away from his older brother Roger with the promise of candy. She then flew him to the east coast of the US, where he was raised by another couple.
The mystery surrounding Luis’ disappearance remained unsolved for years despite a massive search operation conducted by police, soldiers, and the coastguard.
However, in 2020, a DNA test taken by Luis’ niece, Alida Alequin, for personal reasons revealed a 22% match with a man on the east coast. Though she didn’t pursue the link at the time, a documentary about Puerto Rican folklore in 2024 sparked her determination to find her uncle.
With the help of her daughter and archived Oakland Tribune articles, Alequin identified the man from the DNA test as Luis. Police opened a new missing person’s case, and DNA testing confirmed his identity.
The reunion between Luis and his family was filled with emotion. On June 25, Luis met his brother Roger, who was just 10 years old when Luis was abducted. They embraced tightly, finally reunited after 73 years.
“They sat down and just talked,” said Alequin. “It was an incredibly emotional moment for everyone involved.”
Sadly, Roger passed away in August of the same year, leaving Luis with bittersweet memories of his newfound family.
While the missing person’s case is now closed, Oakland Police are continuing to investigate the abduction itself. Luis, now a retired firefighter, Marine Corps veteran, and grandfather, has some memories of the kidnapping but received no answers from the couple who raised him.
This remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of hope and the enduring bonds of family, even after decades of separation.
First Piper 