LITTLEROCK – Family and friends of missing 28-year-old Monique Figueroa believed her May 19 disappearance to be suspicious. And with their fears confirmed over the weekend with the discovery of her abandoned vehicle in Juniper Hills, members of the family and community held a prayer vigil Sunday evening for the Littlerock woman.
“What we want to do tonight is bring everybody together in prayer for safe guidance through the police department – that we may get the prayer of the Lord to them to find my daughter by pulling all their resources,” Jeff Figueroa, Monique’s father, said.
Jeff said his daughter’s vehicle was discovered Saturday night by local residents who reported it to authorities after spotting the car sitting off the road in Juniper Hills.
He believes that the circumstances relating to his daughter’s abandoned 2004 Mercedes Benz sport utility vehicle points to foul play because of signs that “somebody ran her car off the road before it was dumped in a field – along with evidence of a struggle on the car,” he said.
Revealing a darker situation, Jeff expressed the need for the FBI to get involved in Monique’s case because he believes a dangerous gang is behind his daughter’s disappearance.
“This happens to be pertaining to multiple murder cases that my daughter happens to know about … because her ex-boyfriend is in jail right now for multiple murders,” he said, unwilling to identify the gang by name out of fear for the safety of his family.
“And this is a gang that is retaliating against her because they feel she might say something. And she already told me she isn’t going to say something, because she’s scared to death of these people.”
Jeff would only describe the gang as a notorious syndicate whose operations span from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, noting that “these guys are ruthless; they’re spread out, and all they do is kill people and [sell] drugs. They don’t mess around.”
The father said he has been frustrated with the Sheriff’s department’s slow reaction to Monique’s alleged abduction, but understands that “they just don’t have the resources to work over the weekends,” he said.
“They weren’t sure if she was sitting around the corner somewhere, getting high and just forgot to come home. And I explained the circumstances, saying my daughter is not that kind of girl.”
Jeff explained that his daughter’s two cellphones were off and their voice mail boxes were full immediately following her disappearance on May 19. Monique had not been in contact with her 3-year-old daughter, and “that was very unusual,” her father said.
“[It was] a week before the cops actually said, ‘okay, there’s something wrong,’” Johnnie Harris, Monique’s cousin, told The AV Times. “Obviously it’s not illegal for an adult to not call their family – even if it is weird. So we didn’t file a missing person’s report until Saturday night (May 23). And the police didn’t call me until that following Wednesday (May 27).”
But the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department appears to be stepping up its efforts to locate the missing woman following the recovery of her vehicle on Saturday. The Homicide Bureau released an advisory Monday seeking the public’s help to locate Monique, described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair and hazel eyes.
Monique has been missing since May 19 at approximately 4 a.m.; she was last seen driving from her residence in the 7200 block of East Avenue U-12 in Littlerock, according to the sheriff’s advisory released Monday.
Anyone with information about her disappearance or possible abduction is asked to contact Detective Shonka or Detective Holston of the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. View the advisory here.
More than 100 friends, family and parishioners attended the prayer vigil for Monique at the Littlerock Community Church Sunday evening.
“Everybody here is related to everyone else somehow and in some way, and we want closure for Monique,” said Danielle Sharp, who grew up with Monique over the last 20 years in Littlerock.
K.C. Wahe, a “pastor friend” to the Littlerock Community Church, opened the prayer vigil with a plea for comfort and understanding.
“When parents shed tears about their children, I believe with all my heart that God hears those prayers of lament, and all of us can agree that when our kids hurt and go through difficulties that we as a parent shed tears,” Wahe told those attending the vigil.
Jeff is asking anyone who may have information on his daughter’s disappearance to call him at 661-944-7805.
“I am really impressed with the help and response we have been getting for Monique,” he said. “I want to thank everyone out there for getting involved.”
Loved ones have created a Facebook paged called “Bring Monique Figueroa home.” View it here.
–
for your peace of mind says
His name is not David it is Richard Roach. The man with all the details. I was wondering if anyone has mentioned a sweep of the AQUEDUCT?????? …….It is extremly close to where he lived and where her car was found. These people are lazy seems like it should b checked out.
.
KUHOOK says
Do you guys think that McKell and Roach used her as a getaway driver unknowingly? Please before anybody over reacts don’t think that I am saying that she would do it knowingly. But they are obviously not very nice people, so they may have forced her to do it, or they may have just said drive us here and wait for us we’ll be right back. Having a nice Mercedes registered to a female is a good way to avoid suspicion by law enforcement. How else would she or could she have been a witness? Gangsters don’t talk about this stuff after it’s done. One way to find out if she was in the area the evening this happened would be to find out if her cell phone was in the area that evening this happened:
http://sbcsentinel.com/2015/09/four-alleged-murderers-collared-in-geographically-temporally-disparate-case/
Quoted relevant part of article: Montclair police appear to have solved the double homicide case involving killings in the southwest sector of the city last February heavily laden with gangland overtones.
On Sunday night February 8 Livied Arturo Sanchez, 33, of West Covina and Mario Padilla, 34, of Pomona were executed, with their hands bound by duct tape, in a detached garage behind the only home on an unlit gravel road that ran east from the 11000 block of Monte Vista Avenue in the southwest part of the city.
A third man, since identified as Edgar Rivera Calderon, was able to escape the assailants with his hands yet bound by duct tape behind his back. Bloodied and terrified, Calderon fled on foot southward down Monte Vista and was last seen by witnesses near the Monte Vista/Howard Street intersection.
Only sketchy information was publicly available at the time and there was widespread speculation that the third man had been overtaken by his assailant or assailants and executed elsewhere.
Calderon would turn up very much alive and now, two of the three people implicated in the murders are in custody. The third is yet at large.
According to Montclair Police Homicide Sergeant Bryon Kelly, Richard Corry Roach, 37, was arrested on August 13 at the Riverside Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Fugitive Recovery Task Force. Roach waived extradition and has been transported to West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
The second suspect in the homicides, David Nash McKell, 35, was in custody at the Los Angeles County Jail for an unrelated homicide when he was identified as a suspect in the Montclair murders. He was arrested at the Los Angeles County Jail in connection with the slayings.
As to the motive in the killings, Kelly told the Sentinel, “The suspects and the victims knew each other and were involved in illegal narcotics activity.”
Of Calderon, Kelly said, “We have talked to him. I don’t want to go beyond that.”
Kelly said the case was solved by “using witness statements and applying some of the technical assets we possess.”
Kelly said there was a “third suspect we have not been able to locate who was most likely the getaway driver. We do have one me lead we are following.”
KUHOOK says
The murder case McKell is named as a suspect in: Please copy story & take screenshots before this gets scrubbed from the net: http://www.dailybulletin.com/general-news/20150824/montclair-execution-style-double-homicide-suspects-in-custody
KUHOOK says
http://www.dailybulletin.com/general-news/20150208/montclair-double-homicide-prompts-search-for-third-victim-suspects
video: http://www.tout.com/m/2fmfq4
KUHOOK says
Cell phone data is the missing puzzle piece here. LE has ability & technology to do a data scour, pinpoint exact location of phones if location is on including any social media apps on phone. Even if location is turned off tower triangulation can be used to locate phone. Little known to public is cell proximity which will show any & all phones around her phone at the time. Its pretty unpopulated there on that stretch of road especially at 4 a.m. so it would be maybe a few dozen signals at the most in that area. Running a proxinity screen will give you all the ESIN #S OF PHONES ANYWHERE NEAR HERS AT TIME OF DISAPPEARENCE. Social media is also key. Somebody knew when & where she was going or possibly her friends she was going to visit gave info to those responsible whether knowingly or unknowingly. HWHERE THE HELL IS THE FORENSIC PAINT MATCHING TO ID VEHICLE THAT RAN HER OFF ROAD? SO sad coul be solved by now if these tools are used. Hello?
KUHOOK says
Jeff- my family’s hearts & prayers go out to you at this time again. The good people of this world are trying to put the word out on as many websites as we can http://www.crimewatchers.net/forum/index.php?threads/monique-figueroa-missing-from-little-rock-ca-19-may-2015-age-27-possible-gang-kidnap.840/#post-40147 even if it is just in the form both constructive comments about what is known. At this time most experts would agree this is the time to ask the FBI to get involved if they are not already. The reason is because it has been over 90 days so it will be somewhat easier to convince them that all leads are a dead end for local law enforcement unless you know otherwise. One beacon of hope is that if somebody wanted her dead there would be no reason to kidnap her first. It creates a way bigger logistical problem for the criminals, leaves a lot more evidence, takes a lot more time, and really makes no sense. There does not seem to be much publicly available information about the case that she is rumored to be a witness about. This could, I emphasize could, but does not necessarily mean that either the case has been frozen due to lack of evidence or witnesses, or that one or more of the potential suspects has turned witness for the prosecution. One way to find out if someone has turned witness for the prosecution is to find out if they are allowed to have visitors in jail. If no one seems to be able to locate the inmate and nobody has been able to visit the inmate for some time, this COULD, AGAIN EMPHASIZE COULD mean that inmate has turned witness. Most cell phone companies will provide you paper print out hard copies of text messages and phone calls from a phone if you can prove that it can help solve a crime. Scouring over text messages and phone calls can probably help lead to somebody who knows something. Maybe try a face to face interview with McKell or send someone in to do it. You might learn alot. I would ask to have his phone calls & visits looked at under a microscope both before & after she disappeared.t All the best.
ridiculous says
Since when is it a parents responsibility to control their adult children. This young lady is an adult with a child of her own making her of her own volition. That in and of itself means she makes her own choices whether or not her parents approve. I hope her parents have success in locating their daughter unharmed but lets be honest folks all we can do is raise our children and hope they take a good path in life. Let all remember that we guide our children until they become adults. God bless and may she return home safely.
Just Saying says
When you live in MY house you live by MY rules!
Ridiculous says
Hopefully you have something nicer to say in the future. I hope you never need someone to understand your pain!
Mike 1 says
This hits way too close to home Monique is my niece. All those involved with her disappearance need to spend the rest of their lives behind bars or better yet in my opinion they have forfeited their right to suck air on this planet!!!!!
Doug says
I agree all the way cuz..
KUHOOK says
RE: Sherriff telling Jeff her pAhone cant be traced: this is lazy keystone kopp garbage. Here is the truth from a long line of good guys: electronic data is saved for at least 5 years as we know from Edward Snowden’s revelations about goverment data collection & surveillence. Her cell phone provider must forfeit all records & assist law enforcement under federal law somebody just needs to go demand it. Does not matter if phone is off or disconnected records & history exist. In databases. Whoever friend is that received call should forfeit phone to LE & BE LOOKED AT AS POSSIBLE WITNESS. Please read my tips in all 3 articles hoping someone will remembet something if we put accurate & factual info out there wherever possible.
Mark says
The Antelope Valley may very well be a dumping spot, but her and her old boyfriend are locals.
That fact is society is just going down hill fast.
ERIK says
Mary- your feelings are valid and shared by so many people.
The problem with many folks who move here is that they do not appreciate the Antelope Valley and its historical significance. I have always been proud of this place and its contributions to our country and the world. Look at what this valley and its residents have done for the space program! The Space Shuttles were built right here in Palmdale. Edwards AFB has contributed so much in the way of sparking the world’s imagination.
I have always had immense pride in growing up here because I am a huge fan of aviation and the test pilot. Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier, Pete Knight- the fastest man alive, Bill Dana and Milt Thompson in those crazy lifting bodies, and the X-15! These guys are true celebrities and have always left me star struck when I had the opportunity to talk with them. I wish children would look up to those guys, their adventures and be inspired to become pilots, astronauts, and engineers. Maybe the cities should do more to push these positive role models and our valley’s history.
Drugs, gangs, murder, and crime seem so obsolete next to this our major accomplishments. Unfortunately, we are now earning a terrible reputation and this saddens me as it does many long time residents. The Antelope Valley deserves better.
Mary says
Erik
That was so kindly put. I will try to remember these things when I feel discouraged. Thank you for reminding me of the good – you are absolutely right about these things. I will always do my best to be a decent human being in this valley so that I can do my part to make a difference. You sound like a good man – don’t ever give up being so.
Cali Palmdale says
So I wonder what can we do to get our city back can we mandate to close some or all Liquor stores write to the mayor any ideas get all together form a citizen patrol group make all the criminals feel and let them know they are being watched make changes in the SEC8 program do a better background check drug testing for any applicant we need to reclaim our city ?????? and in these case the girl knew who she was hanging around with she was a witness to a murder or something like that the dad says so stop wining she had it coming one less lesser to worried about not you average citizen.
Amanda says
Hey don’t talk about her like that. She didn’t have it coming and she’s no less then you are. Nobody is perfect in this world EVERYBODY makes mistakes. Nobody deserves to come up missing!! She is a childhood friend who I’ve known for 20years. If you guys have nothing nice to say then keep your comments to yourself!!!!!!!
Tim Scott says
The thing that surprises me is that so many people buy into that “woe is us” nonsense. Crime rates in the AV are far short of extraordinary. In fact they are pretty average. But the local authorities (Imperious Rex in particular) have relied so heavily on the “tough on crime” campaigning that they have to play it up for all it is worth. How else could he justify spending millions of city dollars on unnecessary law enforcement toys?
susan says
Is it possible her disappearance could be connected to that of michelle russ (same perp) they look awfully similar and are similar age. I’d go to the LA news
susan says
They disappeared 10 days apart and both are single mother’s to young children
Wrong says
Michelle Russ has been missing for over a year.
since2013 says
Yes, MichellerRuss went missing in 2014, does anyone know if she is stillmissing
since2013 says
2013*
Lopan says
You can blame this squarely on the parents, one look at the boyfriend tells me that if the parents allowed her to hang out with him and the losers he calls friends then they exercised zero control over her… They’re kids, living at your house,under your rules, your electric, your water, gas, cable, needing your free babysitting, internet etc… Be the boss, “no” you’re not going out with gang members, I won’t allow it…. Bieng the boss of your household may save a life… Who leaves the house at 4am? If its not to work.. Then my doors not open till i say.. Safety starts at home, you as the parents are the first teachers… No excuse here…
cribqueen says
Look here miss know it all. First of all I’m assuming your children are angels, yeah? Well here’s something you don’t know. Moniques dad raised his children with an iron fist. Fact number one is Monique only went out with him for a few months and never brought him to her dad’s house or introduced them to each other. Dad had no idea what he was or who he was therefore he couldn’t make any decisions as to his daughters choices. Times goes by very quickly and by the time she actually found out who he was it was to late. Monique is a beautiful person and an awesome mother. Her parents are great people and awesome parents. You are probably one of those kind of neighbors everyone prays they don’t live next to. You are probably like my nosy neighbor who calls any kind of authority on whom ever just because. You think you are better then other people. If you were you wouldn’t judge people. You are probably jealous of every female and think your sexy. Well guess what? Your not. And no one likes you. That doesn’t sound like you are better to me. Just a big mouth who is a nobody. Mind your own business if all you can do is criticize. If you can possibly do that even just once.
patricia says
I used to live in palmdale back when it was EMPTY it was so beautiful and peaceful after 2008 when my son graduated from palmdale high it was time to move on we packed our uhall and bounced ….now as I go back to visit relatives I look at this town with such sadness talk about ghetto… I cant believe the mayor don’t have eyes and see what has become of this town.. there was once so many possibilities hopes and dreams now it looks like a dumping ground for every pedifile , drug lord , and gang member …. so sad…./.
desiree says
It is a dumping ground and the Mayor actually tried to fix things but he is threatened with lawsuits if he tries to do anything. He is accused of discrimination and any other thing they can accuse him of. His hands are tied. He is here now just to live out his days and make as much money as he can – he lost control of this city a long time ago and I don’t think he cares what the heck goes on anymore. You are lucky to have taken your family away and you have every right to feel sorry for us – I am scared here every day of my life. When I drive, especially on Palmdale Blvd, I lock the doors to my car. I can’t even go into a liquor store anymore just to by water because they are over taken by men who just standing around drinking alcohol, smoking weed, and smoking. There are shoot-outs here now, you hear guns going off at night. I am absolutely humiliated to tell people I live in Palmdale. When I do, it’s always the same response, “Oh my gosh, you live out there? It’s so bad out there!” I am proud of you for removing your family from the Antelope Valley – I am sure many envy you because I sure do.
ERIK says
Patricia- I think Mayor Ledford does a fantastic job in Palmdale considering what he is up against. He cannot pick and choose who moves here. It is a rough job.
He sees the problem and tries his hardest to do nice things for the community.
You are right about Palmdale once being beautiful and peaceful. I miss the old days, that’s for sure. After a day or two in Los Angeles it used to be nice to come back to the valley and take a deep breath and relax. Now it is one and the same…
Rego says
Where’d you bounce to ?
Not a bad plan
D.J. Hernandez says
What happened to Palmdale and Lancaster happened in Detroit. When a city economy is in bad shape there are no jobs, people leave the area, and house prices fall, then the criminals move in and make it a home and turn it into a pirates den, this accelerates the downgrading of property values further attracting criminals. You would figure that the city mayors would fix the problems. If a mayor has been in office too long and the problems keep escalating then it’s time to hire a police officer as a mayor so at least he can fix the problems since he understands what lurks behind the scenes.
Tim Scott says
LOL…do you have any idea how hysterically funny it is comparing the “mean streets of the AV” to Detroit? Are you so desperate to make our ordinary little burgs noteworthy?
William says
@D.J. Hernandez
What are you talking about?
The AV was more ‘low rent’ 30 years ago than now. That’s why it grew and property values were way less back then.
The growth has increased property values and any decline has been due to several major recessions.
rex parris welcomed Section 8 renters to fill up the vacant houses after the building booms to fill them up. Talk to him.
AV_Rick says
I’m not sure what fiction material you get your fantasy facts from – The growth has done nothing but decrease property values, and the recession really has little do to with any decline as any revenue from subsidized housing is immune to the woes of recession – Rex never welcomes an influx of Section 8 recipients – Ansentee investors bought houses up in blocks and immediately rented them out Section 8 – Talk to him? How about talk to the bleeding heart poverty pimps who feel free handouts, free housing and judicial immunity should be a standard part of the AV Welcome Wheel – Get your facts straight William – This valley started developing social rot 27 years ago when the first HUD homes began springing up around the AV – And it’s done nothing but grow worse.
moll flanders says
AV_RICK…You’re absolutely right.
Tim Scott says
LOL…AVRick, if I were you I would turn down endorsements from someone who has proven that their understanding of economics could be inscribed on the head of a pin and still leave room for the star spangled banner.
Peete says
It’s A white power gang. Skin heads. Whatever ya wanna call them
Missing Mo says
AKG is the gang. Boyfriend named Smiley. I wanna know his real name. Heard it’s not a white gang. It’s mexican gang.
Peete says
Highly possible I was misinformed. Either way. I pray for her and her family
Peete says
Need better facts before I just open my mouth and put blame on anyone. I apologize
Johnny Trece says
Isn’t it AGK, not AKG?
aaa says
its AGK- short for Always Going Krazy.
*E/S Always Going Krazy 13 Varrio 117th St. (AGK13)
Amber says
A.G.K. Is what I saw in the pictures of Monique’s boyfriends mugshots.
A.G.K was started out in Littlerock it means ALWAYS GOING CRAZY.
I went ️to Littlerock high and the gang was there when I attended school there. It’s more of a mexican gang . But I’ve seen whites involved
Missing Mo says
What’s the name of her convict boyfriend ?
Sb says
David Mckell
Sb says
David Mckell
jip joe says
And this folks is why you NEVER EVER help law enforcement. Never answer the door for them, never cooperate with them. This is from someone that never had a run-in with them, but certainly know better from the inside. Remember, they are only interested in their own stats. Arrests. Not protecting witnesses. This is not television, there is no protection for you. They sway and even pressure people to be a witness, but they are never around after the fact. Support them as their job is a difficult one, and the above does not make it easier, but bottom line, they are not in it for you.
Delilalala says
Looks like the police dropped the ball on this one!! Monique has been missing for two weeks, already!! They just barely found her car…..come on!!
Lisa says
If you read the article they clearly said that an adult is not assumed missing right away. When they found her car they stepped up the search.
Delilalala says
Lisa, I believe it is you who didn’t read the article in it’s entirety. Or, you don’t comprehend what you are reading?
Just Saying says
Just found this, maybe the ball was dropped!
CAL. PEN. CODE § 14205
(a) All local police and sheriffs’ departments shall accept any report, including any telephonic report, of a missing person, including runaways, without delay and shall give priority to the handling of these reports over the handling of reports relating to crimes involving property. In cases where the person making a report of a missing person or runaway, contacts, including by telephone, the California Highway Patrol, the California Highway Patrol may take the report, and shall immediately advise the person making the report of the name and telephone number of the police or sheriff’s department having jurisdiction of the residence address of the missing person and of the name and telephone number of the police or sheriff’s department having jurisdiction of the place where the person was last seen. In cases of reports involving missing persons, including, but not limited to, runaways, the local police or sheriff’ s department shall immediately take the report and make an assessment of reasonable steps to be taken to locate the person. If the missing person is under 16 years of age, or there is evidence that the person is at risk, the department shall broadcast a “Be On the Look-Out” bulletin, without delay, within its jurisdiction. – See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/12/s14205#sthash.14umKHCK.dpuf
Mary says
A parent’s worst nightmare and I am so sorry that the family is having to endure this. I pray that she is safe and will make it home – miracles do happen so do not give up hope until you receive an answer that she is or isn’t okay. I don’t care how strong a gang is, they are always caught. I have never been impressed by “Gang” members because having them in my own family, their life catches up to them. I just had a cousin die in jail at the age of 35 and as a “Gang” member he caused so much hurt and pain to others that when he did die, I don’t think anyone but his mother cared. My other “Gang” member cousins ended up in jail and thank goodness we got them off the street before they could hurt another soul – but all in all, everyone of them are in jail or dead from the pain they have caused others in society. God sees everything from above and if not today, some day in the near future they will be caught. The police do the best they can do and though at times they fail, they still, for the most part, do one hell of a job catching these criminals so don’t ever give up hope that they have given up on you. Every investigation takes time. At this time, It is my hope that your daughter will be found safe. Let’s all ask God for a miracle – I will ask him now.
rome says
Are the “authorities” tracking -eyes on- not worthless ankle monitors., all the perverts and devious recently dumped in the area????
Mary says
Rome, it’s only going to get worse. One day just take a drive around Palmdale – every single liquor store is filled with men just standing outside drinking 40 ounces. On Palmdale Blvd when I come home for lunch, there are anywhere from 3-10 men standing outside liquor stores just smoking and drinking. I won’t even walk into a liquor store anymore. I find myself locking my doors to my car and avoid certain areas. On the way to work, people are sleeping on bus benches. Every yard is filled with dead grass. Graffiti now litters our neighborhoods. I am not above anyone and live on a very bad side of Palmdale but it does affect me seeing how bad the East side and West side of Palmdale and Lancaster have gone down so badly. As far as the homeless goes, I don’t judge them. I just wish we had a place to put them so that they could have a home to call home too. It doesn’t do any neighborhood any good when people are sleeping on bus benches and on grassy areas (In N Out) on Palmdale Blvd. I don’t have the money to move or I would – I would get out of here so fast – I do have to agree, we have become a dumping spot :(
lack of sheriffs out here says
I THINK THE COPS ARENT DOING THERE JOB COME ON NOW IF THEY FOUND HER CAR SHES SOMEWHERE AROUND POOR PARENTS
AV_Rick says
That’s a profound statement – They’re cops – They don’t have the powers of telekenisis – You’ve been watching to many Matlock marathans to make a statement like that – She could be hundreds of miles away from where her car was found – Unless you have firsthand knowledge of something the investigators don’t – The cops are doing the best they can with what they have to go on – What more do you suggest they do, canvas the valley and knock on every door? – There would be an uproar about harassment and profiling – Perhaps it’s time some of her ‘so called’ friends man up and reveal all they know about her disappearance – Someone isn’t telling everything – Go hit up her inner circle and stop blaming the cops for this unfortunate case.