NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk authorities are actively searching for Angelina Resendiz, a sailor who was last seen 10 days ago at her barracks in Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk.
Her mother, Esmeralda Castle, traveled from Harlingen, Texas, to Hampton Roads, desperate for information about her daughter's disappearance, which she said is out of character for the 21-year-old.
"She calls my mother, she calls her brother, her sisters; she has friends — middle school friends she still talks to," Castle said.
Days have passed since Castle last heard from Resendiz, who serves as a culinary specialist at the base. On Tuesday, Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert for Resendiz, citing credible concerns for her health and safety. The last confirmed sighting of her was at Miller Hall on Thursday, May 29.
Castle came to Virginia searching for answers about her daughter's disappearance.
"My kid is missing, and she wouldn't just unauthorized leave without permission," Castle said. "Angie’s too scared to miss work; she wouldn’t do that. Something is wrong, and I’m going to Virginia tomorrow to find out what I can because I need to start looking for my kid. I don’t know what’s going on."
Castle described her week-long ordeal, saying that Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigators conducted multiple interviews, took DNA samples. However, specific details about the investigation remain scarce.
"They assured me they are confident that they will find her," she added.
When asked if there was a possibility that Resendiz left without permission, Castle indicated that investigators do not believe this to be the case.
“They don’t think she’s just gone without permission; they believe she is missing,” she said.
After visiting Resendiz's barracks, Castle reported that her daughter's belongings suggested she did not leave for good.
"Her fan was still on, and she had personal items like food and a yoga mat untouched," she noted. Castle also mentioned that no money has been spent from Angelina's accounts since the day she went missing.
The family is worried because Resendiz has experienced mental health struggles in the past. Investigators have looked into her mental health history, particularly a period last year when she faced suicidal thoughts. However, Castle emphasized that they believe her daughter's current situation is different.
Despite her concerns, Castle reported receiving little information from NCIS.
“I asked them if they have her phone; they can’t tell me if they do or not,” she said, noting that such uncertainties lead her to fear the worst.
In response to inquiries about the investigation's confidentiality, NCIS officials said they would not disclose details until they had gathered sufficient and accurate information.
The NCIS is investigating the case and anyone with information about Resendiz's whereabouts is asked to call 877-579-3648 or submit a tip by clicking the link here.
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