Arleth Carolina Álvarez Castillo, a 35-year-old teacher who went missing in Barranquilla on October 22, 2024, has been found alive in Bogotá while wandering the streets of the Colombian capital.
The Search in Barranquilla and the Discovery in Bogotá
The disappearance occurred after Álvarez Castillo left her apartment in the Golondrina residential complex, located in the Alameda del Río urbanization in Barranquilla. Although an initial search circular from the Fiscalía General de la Nación recorded the date as September 22, 2024, regional reporting clarified that the correct date was October 22 of that year. Before her disappearance, she worked as a teacher at the Colegio de Bachillerato Técnico Comercial de Sabanagrande (Cobateco) and held a master’s degree in Education.
During the two years she remained missing, her mother, Leida Castillo, led public efforts to find her. During the twenty-four months that the painful mystery lasted, the mother searched public squares, transport terminals, and mass events carrying a placard with the professional’s details. In February 2026, during the Batalla de Flores del Recuerdo Sonia Osorio at the Barranquilla Carnival, Leida walked through the parade holding a photograph of her daughter and asked attendees for information. While thousands of people enjoyed the music, colors, and floats, the mother stood among the crowd holding a sign with her daughter’s photograph and asking repeatedly if anyone had seen her. At the time, she reported receiving no calls or leads regarding her daughter’s whereabouts, insisting that they would not stop searching for her until they obtained answers. Months later, a phone call prompted the teacher’s mother to travel immediately to the Colombian capital after receiving word that the teacher had been located in Bogotá.
Did You Know? Leida Castillo traveled to Bogotá after receiving news of her daughter’s location with the support of the Alcaldía de Malambo, headed by Yenis Orozco Bonett, which provided the air tickets for her trip. Leida confirmed the mayor granted her the tickets to travel to Bogotá.
Family Reunited as Authorities Withhold Details
Upon arriving in the capital, Leida confirmed the outcome to regional media with the brief statement: “Apareció, estoy con ella.” She is currently completing administrative procedures in Bogotá before arranging the return of both women to the Caribe region, living a moment that was elusive for more than two years while advancing the corresponding formalities. Currently, Arleth Carolina Álvarez Castillo receives comprehensive care and accompaniment from her relatives and health institutions to evaluate her medical conditions and coordinate her subsequent return to the department of Atlántico. Meanwhile, the family has kept the exact circumstances of the discovery and the teacher’s health status under reserve.
Authorities have not released public information regarding the reasons for her disappearance or the time she spent away from her family. Families facing similar situations in Bogotá can access support through the Asistencia Integral a la Denuncia (Aide) program, which handles reports for the National Police and the Fiscalía General de la Nación. The Aide program facilitates the reporting of crimes, including disappearances, to the National Police and the Office of the Attorney General, and also operates via an agreement with @SeguridadBOG/X. Reports can also be filed with the Prosecutor's Office, the Police, or the Ombudsman's Office (Personería), requesting the activation of the Urgent Search Mechanism to initiate actions aimed at establishing the person's whereabouts. The Secretaría Distrital de Seguridad, Convivencia y Justicia also provides guidance through the telephone number (601) 3779595, extension 1137.
Timeline of Teacher Disappearance and Recovery in Bogotá
When did Arleth Carolina Álvarez Castillo disappear in Barranquilla?
The teacher disappeared on October 22, 2024, after leaving her apartment in the Golondrina residential complex, located in the Alameda del Río urbanization in Barranquilla.
Where was Arleth Carolina Álvarez Castillo found?
She was located alive in Bogotá while deambulando por las calles (wandering the streets) of the Colombian capital, as confirmed by her mother.
What is the background of Arleth Carolina Álvarez Castillo?
She is a magíster in Education who previously worked as a teacher at the Colegio de Bachillerato Técnico Comercial de Sabanagrande (Cobateco) prior to her disappearance.
What steps will the family take next as they prepare for their return to the Caribe region?
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