Her disappearance shocked the neighborhood and led to a fast, large search effort. Authorities issued an Amber Alert, people shared her photo widely, and neighbors searched streets, lots, and public areas hoping she would be found safe.
Days later, that hope ended when her body was found in an abandoned property far from home. Investigators immediately treated the case as a serious violent crime and began examining surveillance footage, speaking to witnesses, and collecting evidence to understand what happened.
The loss of Perla has left her family and community devastated and has sparked anger, grief, and demands for justice. It has also renewed wider concern about the safety of children and the urgent need to protect young girls from violence.