The Procura di Sulmona has opened an investigation into the alleged abandonment of minors following the disappearance of 12-year-old Alisya and 16-year-old Sarah from the “Ofh Hope” care facility in Civitella Alfedena. Carabinieri from Castel di Sangro have seized the sisters’ room and are currently analyzing digital communications from the facility’s residents to determine the girls’ movements and contacts prior to their departure. Search operations, involving the Carabinieri, fire brigades, civil protection, and specialized canine units, are currently spanning the Parco nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.
Investigation and Legal Developments
Authorities have initiated a formal inquiry into the management of the “Ofh Hope” facility. According to investigators, the focus of this probe is the potential abandonment of minors. As part of the evidence gathering, officials have seized the sisters’ living quarters and are conducting a forensic analysis of mobile phones belonging to residents, including the two missing girls. These digital records are being scrutinized for clues regarding the timeline and circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Did You Know? Investigators are specifically examining surveillance footage from the town’s entrances, which captured vehicle movement near the facility between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the night of the disappearance.
Current Search Operations
Search efforts have expanded significantly across the Abruzzo region. Teams are currently scouring difficult terrain, including forests, caves, and abandoned buildings, throughout the areas of Villetta Barrea, Barrea, Opi, Villalago, and the vicinity of Passo Godi in Scanno. The operation is supported by “Italo,” a molecular dog from the Tagliacozzo Civil Protection unit. Officials have confirmed that additional canine units and specialized interforce teams are expected to join the search in the coming hours to bolster the ongoing efforts.
Analysis of Potential Scenarios
Investigative teams are maintaining an open inquiry, evaluating multiple possibilities ranging from voluntary departure to potential abduction. While water searches have been conducted by fire brigade divers in the nearby Lake Barrea, no physical evidence has been located. Previous reports placing the sisters at transit hubs in Avezzano, Frosinone, and Naples have been investigated by authorities and subsequently dismissed as unfounded.
Expert Insight: The inclusion of the girls’ 18-year-old acquaintance—a former resident of the facility—in the investigation highlights the importance of social network mapping in missing persons cases. By focusing on his movements and the family’s history, investigators are attempting to identify if the sisters had outside assistance, a critical factor that often determines whether a case remains a local search or evolves into a wider jurisdictional investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation into the “Ofh Hope” facility?
The Procura di Sulmona has opened a file regarding the potential abandonment of minors. Carabinieri have seized the sisters’ room and are analyzing phone data from residents.
Where are the search teams currently looking?
Operations are concentrated in the Parco nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, specifically covering Villetta Barrea, Barrea, Opi, Villalago, and the area near Passo Godi.
Have there been any confirmed sightings of the sisters?
No. Reports of sightings in Avezzano, Frosinone, and Naples have been verified by investigators and declared unfounded.
What impact might the upcoming deployment of specialized canine units have on the search perimeter?
