New Twist In Search For Missing Mom, Daughter
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HIALEAH GARDENS (CBSMiami) – The disappearance of a Doral mother and daughter has led investigators to Hialeah Gardens where the father of the child was threatening to hurt himself.
On Friday, investigators were spotted near an area behind a Home Depot located at 13895 West Okeechobee Road, searching for any clues that may help in their investigation. Miami-Dade police and Doral police were at the scene. Investigators have been focusing on a nearby lake.
Family and friends of Liliana Moreno and her 8-year old daughter Daniela arrived at the retention pond where police have focused their non-stop search for the missing mom and daughter.
Miami-Dade police said they are using many resources to search on land and on water and have even been in touch with authorities in Colombia – where the missing mother is from.
"I need information about my sister and my niece. It is very important," said Liliana Moreno's brother, Eduardo. "I'm worried. Everyone is worried about that."
The spot off of Okeechobee Road is where the girl's father – Gustavo Castano – told investigators he dropped off the pair at Moreno's request on Monday. They haven't been seen since.
Police suspect foul play and, in a new twist, they found Castano in a truck by the lake threatening to cut himself with a knife.
"At this point he is not considered a suspect. That is why we are talking to everybody," said Miami-Dade Police Det. Alvaro Zabaleta.
Fernando Alvarez, who works with the Missing Children Global Network, said, "The main witness tried to take his own life. Could be a matter of having regrets or feeling very depressed."
Loved ones try to stay hopeful despite each passing moment with no sign of the missing pair.
"Because he's hiding something. So that's why he did what he did," said family friend Romy Nicolaidis.
"If that happened, it's really, really bad for us. But he is still alive. He's in the hospital right now," said family friend Luis Martinez.
"Every second, minutes, it's very important," said family friend Giancarlo Mutti.
Divers were also seen walking around the area – trying to assess the situation.
As for Castano, he remains at the hospital where he was being treated for self-inflicted wounds. At last check, he was listed in stable condition.
Police have been talking to him and say he has been cooperating. They cannot divulge his statements because it's on ongoing investigation.
Miami-Dade police impounded his truck and are searching for surveillance tape.
If you can help them with this case, call them or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
