The park, near the family’s West Oakland home, was the last place Luis Armando Albino was seen — playing with his older brother in 1951.
At just six years old, he was lured away by a woman who promised to buy him candy. Then she put Luis on a flight to New York, where he ended up with a couple who raised him as their own son.
Now, more than 70 years later, Luis has been found.
“Searched like crazy”
This is thanks to the niece Alida Alequin, who “for fun” took a DNA test and matched with a man – who later turned out to be her missing uncle.
Alida Alequin and her daughters began “searching the Internet like crazy” for more information. And with the found newspaper clippings, old photos and the DNA test, she went to the Oakland police, who continued to search for clues.
Eventually, her uncle Luis was found on the East Coast. He provided a DNA sample that yielded a hit.
Died soon after
In June, Luis was reunited with his family in California. Luis and his brother Roger, who was also in the park the day he was kidnapped, shared experience in the military.
– There were many long hugs and tears, says niece Alida Alequin.
Shortly after the reunion, older brother Roger died. But Luis is planning another visit to the family next year.