Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom discussed the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari, who has been missing for over a year since she was last seen getting off a school bus in her hometown of Cornelius, North Carolina on November 21, 2022. The case has garnered significant attention due to the delayed reporting by Madalina’s mother and stepfather, Diana Cojocari and Christopher Palmiter, who reported her missing weeks later on December 15, 2022. This delay initially hindered the investigation, as law enforcement had to spend time searching through available records and obtaining search warrants. Despite the challenges, authorities remain committed to finding Madalina and have followed leads that have taken them across North Carolina.
Chief Baucom expressed his determination to find Madalina, stating that he has never seen a missing person case of this magnitude in his career. He emphasized that cases of missing persons are usually resolved quickly, often due to simple miscommunications or temporary absences, but Madalina’s case is unprecedented. Madalina’s mother reported that she last saw her daughter on the evening of November 23, 2022, after an argument with her husband. The following day, Palmiter left for Michigan to retrieve some items, and when Cojocari checked on Madalina, she discovered that she was gone.
In an emotional plea, Madalina’s parents described her as a bright and loving girl and expressed their desperation to find her. However, both parents were later arrested for failing to report a missing child. Palmiter was released on bond in August, while Cojocari remains in custody.
The investigation has led authorities to ask for eyewitness information regarding Madalina’s light green Toyota Prius, particularly in the Madison County area between November 22, 2022, and December 15. The Cojocari family has claimed that Madalina was kidnapped, with her grandmother alleging that she was trafficked for a sum of $5 million. Search warrants have revealed communication between Diana and a distant relative discussing plans to smuggle her and Madalina out of their home before the girl’s disappearance.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Madalina’s whereabouts to contact the Cornelius Police Department. The case remains open, and law enforcement is determined to bring Madalina home.
