In a heart-wrenching tale of a father’s relentless search for his missing daughter, David Hopper’s quest for answers resurfaces after eight long years. Hopper, a resident of Oklahoma, believes that his ex-wife, Kathryn “Katie” Baldwin, has been hiding their daughter, Ava Grace Baldwin, since their mysterious disappearance in September 2015. The case took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Baldwin had falsely claimed that Hopper was not the father of their child, only for a court-ordered DNA test to prove otherwise.
The story began with a whirlwind courtship and a brief marriage between Hopper and Baldwin, which ended in divorce just 34 days later. It was during the separation process that Baldwin disclosed her pregnancy, leading to a complicated custody battle between the two states of Oklahoma and Texas. Despite hiring multiple lawyers and spending a substantial amount in legal and travel-related costs, Hopper was granted partial custody in 2013 and full custody in 2017.
However, the ordeal took a devastating turn when Ava went missing from her school in San Antonio. Hopper recalls the moment he received a call from the school principal, informing him that his daughter had been missing for 21 days. Police investigations led to an empty lot listed as Ava’s home address, leaving Hopper to believe that his ex-wife had fled with their daughter out of fear of losing custody.
Throughout the years, Hopper’s sister, Tina Hopper Fullbright, has diligently preserved court records in the hopes of Ava’s safe return. The family alleges that the Baldwin family has not been cooperative in the search for Ava, further complicating the investigation. San Antonio police continue to investigate the case, but there have been no new updates.
In a plea for help, Hopper expresses his hope that someone out there knows the whereabouts of his daughter, emphasizing that even the smallest piece of information could make a significant difference. While the family remains uncertain about Ava’s current situation, they firmly believe that she is alive.
The desperate search for Ava has shed light on the complexities of child custody battles and the emotional toll it takes on families. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation and support in such cases. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Ava’s disappearance to come forward and contact the San Antonio Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit.
Despite the challenges faced by the Hopper family, their unwavering determination to find Ava continues to fuel their search. As they cling to hope, they remain committed to uncovering the truth and bringing their beloved daughter home.
