Oakland Kidnapping Case from 1951 Solved After 73 Years

 

A 73-year-old mystery involving the abduction of a six-year-old boy from Oakland in 1951 has finally been solved, thanks to the tireless efforts of his niece. Luis Armando Albino, now 79, was found after years of searching by his niece, Alida Alequin, who never gave up hope.

Luis was kidnapped on February 21, 1951, while playing in Jefferson Square Park in West Oakland with his 10-year-old brother, Roger. A woman lured him away by promising to buy him candy. He was then taken to the East Coast, where he was raised by a couple in New York City as their own son. His mother, who passed away in 2005 at age 92, never learned what happened to him, though she always held out hope.

The breakthrough came earlier this year when Alida, 63, used DNA testing and old newspaper clippings to track down her uncle. With the help of local police, the FBI, and the Department of Justice, Alida pieced together the clues that led to finding Luis. Oakland police credited her dedication as a key factor in solving the case.

Since his abduction, Luis has lived a full life, serving as a firefighter and completing two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Marine. He also became a father and grandfather. After Alida organized a reunion, Luis met his brother Roger, now 83, for the first time in 73 years. The reunion was bittersweet, as Roger had been diagnosed with cancer and had little time left. The brothers embraced and caught up on their lives, including what happened on the day of Luis' kidnapping.

Roger passed away in August, just a month after their reunion. Alida believes the reunion brought him peace, saying, "He died happily, knowing his brother was found."

Reflecting on her journey, Alida expressed her happiness at reuniting her uncle with the family. She believes her grandmother would have been overjoyed, as she never gave up hope that Luis was still alive. "I’m so happy I was able to do this for my mom and uncle," Alida said. "It was a very happy ending."

Luis has chosen not to speak to the media but has some memories of the kidnapping. He shared that the adults in New York never explained why he was taken and refused to answer his questions about it. The couple who raised him have since passed away.