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Vigil planned for missing Littlerock woman

by The AV Times Staff • May 13, 2016

May 11 was Monique Figueroa's birthday and May 19 marks the one year anniversary of her disappearance.
May 11 was Monique Figueroa’s 29th birthday and May 19 marks the one year anniversary of her disappearance.

LANCASTER – May 19 will mark one year since Littlerock resident Monique “Mo” Figueroa went missing. Family members and loved ones are holding a vigil in Lancaster this Sunday to bring renewed attention to the young mother’s disappearance.

The entire Antelope Valley community is invited to this event, which will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at American Legion Hall, located at 44355 East 40th Street in Lancaster.

The event will feature live music, a potluck, and a bounce house to keep young ones entertained, according to organizers.

“May 11 is her birthday and May 19 marks the one year anniversary of her disappearance. We picked the 15th for a celebration of her life,” organizers said on a flyer promoting the event. View it here.

Monique has been missing since May 19, 2015, at approximately 4 a.m., when she was last seen driving from her residence in the 7200 block of East Avenue U-12 in Littlerock.

Her abandoned 2004 Mercedes Benz was found May 30, 2015, off a road in Juniper Hills, which prompted authorities to release a “Missing Person” Special Bulletin. (Read it here.)

Monique’s vehicle is not burgundy, as stated in the LASD bulletin; it is black with black rims, family members said. Monique’s father, Jeff Figueroa, believes his daughter may have been abducted.

“Somebody ran her car off the road before it was dumped in a field,” Jeff Figueroa said last year. He said he was told there was “evidence of a struggle on the car.” Monique’s family members have launched a fundraising campaign to pay for missing person flyers, media advertisement and a private investigator in hopes of getting answers.

Sunday’s event will also raise awareness for other missing persons, including Michelle Russ, Bryce Laspisas, and Michael Van Zandt, according to organizers.
Sunday’s event will also raise awareness for other missing persons, including Michelle Russ, Bryce Laspisas, and Michael Van Zandt, according to organizers.

Sunday’s event will raise funds for the private investigator, for a monetary reward for information on Monique’s whereabouts, and for the “sad possibility of funeral expenses,” organizers said. 

Additionally, Sunday’s event will raise awareness for other missing persons, including Michelle Russ, Michael Van Zandt and Bryce Laspisas, according to organizer Stacy Stilwell.

Residents unable to attend this event are encouraged to donate to the “Finding Mo” fund by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/findingmo.

Previous related stories:

Family of missing woman reaches out to community to fund private investigation

Family holds vigil for missing Littlerock woman after vehicle found abandoned

Local man missing from Hermosa Beach

Foul play suspected in woman’s disappearance, public’s help sought

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Filed Under: Littlerock

5 comments for "Vigil planned for missing Littlerock woman"

  1. maria p says

    August 18, 2016 at 2:59 am

    There are so many issues about this case that need to be investigated/ brought out . there is an obvious cover up going on here that involves the police, the courts, drugs, kidnapping, money, murder and a whole lot more that those involved in the crime (s) / coverup want exposed. First , I’d like to know why the comments are closed on all of the previous articles? The ones talking about paint match and cell phone tracking? I’ll tell you why. It was probably a cop that pulled her over , attacked her and took the evidence . which is why detectives aren’t doing anything about it. Believe me, I know. I think I may be able to shed some light on this whole thing and would love the chance to do so. I despise these people for what they’ve done to our lives

  2. Nunya says

    May 14, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    We need this…families need closure from the nightmare they live with everyday,there was neglect in Moniques case,they put a suspended detective on her case for the first 10 days…so nothing was done,inexcusable…..

  3. Never give up! says

    May 13, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    I remember reading about this article last year, and since then have occasionally wondered what happened to her or if she is still being sought… My real concern for her daughter; as a single mother my daughter means the world to me, I don’t think “MO” left willingly.
    Keep her, and the other THREE in your thoughts and continue to seek for them. I recall the recent findings (in 2013) of the victims of ariel castro- missing for 10years.
    Maybe reach out to (Michelle Knight), she’s quite active. Whereas Amanda and Gina, chose to “remain victims” -Just a thought

    • Liz says

      May 13, 2016 at 11:16 pm

      Never give up,

      I was right there with you until you commented, “Amanda and Gina, chose to “remain victims.” Quite a judgemental statement about young women who will battle mental and emotional issues as a result of the torture they endured for, what will likely be, the rest of their lives.

      As a mother of two myself, I cannot imagine the heartache that accompanies the kind of loss and lack of resolution the family and friends of these young people are experiencing. I am hoping the vigil brings family, friends, and community members together in order to share information as well as provide support.

      • Never give up! says

        May 14, 2016 at 8:36 am

        Liz,
        After REreading what I wrote, you are right- it was quite a judgmental comment- forgive me.
        I just don’t like how the girls distanced themselves from Michelle, she was a strong hopeful young lady.
        Any-who, this is now for the current missing– May they be safe!

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