Family desperate for answers after 16-year-old from CT went missing more than a week ago; last seen in NJ
Jomana Ali, an upcoming junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, went on a walk over one week ago and never returned home, according to her family.
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A Connecticut mom is pleading for information from the public to help find her 16-year-old daughter.
Jomana Ali, an upcoming junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, went on a walk over one week ago and never returned home, according to her family.
They describe Jomana as a good student who loves to read, loves animals, plays the viola and was on the swim team. They told News 12 it's not like her to disappear without a trace.
"I don't have any words to say," Bouchra Mrabet said as she broke down in tears. "I just miss my daughter. It's been ten days now. We don't know where she went, what she's doing."
Mrabet said the family had just returned from a great two-week vacation in Italy a few days earlier—a trip where they spent documenting memories. Now, those pictures are being used by the media and police to try and track her down.
On Tuesday, July 2, the last day Jomana was seen in Fairfield, she went to therapy in the afternoon, then took a walk on Elm Street around 5:30 p.m., her family said. That wasn't unusual - except Jomana didn't return.
"She's never left home before," stressed Ernesta Gadalla, Jomana's aunt, who sat beside Mrabet, holding her hand.
Mrabet said when family called Jomana's phone, it was off, which is when they got Fairfield police involved. She explained that police told them their investigation found Jomana was picked up by a car heading south on I-95. The family doesn't know if the driver was a stranger or someone she met online. Adding to their concern is that Jomana didn't take anything with her except her phone. "
There's no missing clothes, no money missing, no debit card, nothing at all," Gadalla explained. "It makes no sense. If you're running away, you'd have a plan." Family told News 12 they're especially worried about Jomana's mental health because she takes daily medication which was also left at home. "Without her medication, Jomana is in a highly vulnerable state," Gadalla said.
Police told family Jomana was captured on video around midnight on July 3 in New Jersey near the Pennsylvania border, according to Gadalla and Mrabet. But they've heard about no other sightings since. "The Fairfield police have been doing an incredible job, but we also know that there are limitations as well," Gadalla stated. "So, we're begging and pleading with the public to please help spread Jomana's "missing posters" on all of their social media."
They're hoping someone has information that will bring Jomana home.
"Any tips can help, any information, even if it's small can help us," Mrabet said emotionally. "We're all suffering. We're all missing her. Her dad can't sleep since she left. Her sister is the same way. We're just living a nightmare, waiting for someone to tell us this is the end of it."
"I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy," added Gadalla.
Jomana is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. Her family said she left the house wearing black Lululemon leggings, a blue Fairfield Ludlowe swimming T-shirt and black Converse. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fairfield Police Department at 203-254-4800.
