Houston, Tx
Family dealing with two tragedies brings attention to Missing in Harris County Day
An occasion can be held Saturday to supply free sources to households of the lacking.
HOUSTON — The household of fallen Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Almendarez says this is not the primary time their household has skilled tragedy. They’re hoping by sharing their story extra individuals will study Lacking in Harris County Day.
It is an occasion taking place Saturday, offering free sources to households of the lacking.
“He was imagined to be there this Saturday,” mentioned Alice Almendarez, who was planning to see her uncle, Deputy Almendarez, this weekend.
“Me and my uncle have been tremendous shut,” she mentioned.
He was killed on March thirty first making an attempt to cease thieves from stealing his catalytic converter.
“I do know now with these catalytic converter thefts, one thing has to alter, I feel it ready me in that approach,” she mentioned.
Off-duty HCSO deputy shot, killed whereas making an attempt to cease suspects from stealing catalytic converter, sheriff says
Earlier than her uncle was murdered, her dad went lacking.
John Joseph Almendarez disappeared in 2002. His physique was present in Buffalo Bayou that very same yr, however he sat unidentified in Harris County’s John Doe Cemetery till years later.
“I received the telephone name September 17, 2014, I bear in mind the day,” she mentioned.
That was the yr Alice determined to submit a DNA swab. Seems, in a nationwide database known as NameUs there was a match.
“I knew I’d discover him; I wasn’t going to die with out realizing the place my dad was, there was no approach,” she mentioned.
However the story doesn’t cease there. Alice helped move a legislation in Texas requiring businesses to add info on lacking individuals to NameUs. She says her uncle was her greatest cheerleader.
“I’ve a message from him from at any time when the legislation received handed and he was like I’m so happy with you child,” she mentioned.
Click on right here for extra protection on lacking individuals within the Houston space.
He was planning to be by her aspect this Saturday at Lacking in Harris County Day, the place she’s going to be offered with a duplicate of the laws.
The occasion, sponsored by Texas Middle For The Lacking, offers free sources for households of the lacking.
After dwelling by two tragedies, it’s sources the Almendarez household is aware of are wanted all too effectively.
“It doesn’t matter how previous how are or lengthy you’ve been lacking, or whether or not you’re a citizen or not, you may get the make it easier to want,” she mentioned.
Saturday’s occasion runs from 10 a.m. to three p.m. on the Youngsters’s Evaluation Middle off 59 and Kirby. Anybody coming ought to deliver an image of your lacking liked one.