The Rosewood mobile home park has been shaken up after 13-year-old Hania Aguilar was abducted back on November 5.
On Tuesday, around 4:45 p.m., authorities found the body where crews were searching for Hania Aguilar. The Lumberton Police Department officers and FBI found the body off Wire Grass Road.
Hector Velazquez a neighbor says the Rosewood neighborhood is a very tight community. Velazquez would see Hania play with the kids, making bonfires, and says this hits close to home.
“She is a very happy girl, very nice. Honestly I didn’t think this was really happening to her because she’s a very innocent girl. I feel sorry for what happened to Hania,” said Velazquez.
Public Schools of Robeson County’s superintendent, Dr. Shanita Wooten, released a statement on Facebook Tuesday night, saying:
“On behalf of PSRC district leaders, administrators, staff and students, we extend our sincerest condolences to Hania’s family, friends, and community. This is a difficult time for our entire district and we are mourning this loss and are still processing this terrible tragedy. We are keeping Hania in our thoughts and will continue to pray for her family and each other as the investigation continues.”
The community has been in high alert since Hania Aguilar was abducted. A family friend Maria Perez who has known the Aguilar family for years visited Hania’s mother on Wednesday afternoon, and was comforting her during this difficult time. Perez grew up with the Aguilar family in Guatemala and later moved to Lumberton.
“I feel really sad. I’m a mother and this feels like if I lost my daughter. Today I saw the mom and she’s been sad with everything that’s been going on. I’m trusting God and hope this never happens again,” said Perez.
People living around the neighborhood say they haven’t felt safe inside their own home.
“I heard screaming and I had seen the car hitting the gas out of the trailer park. I can’t even bring my brother and sister outside no more. It’s tough, they can’t go to school or ride the bus,” said neighbor Christian Santos.
The Lumberton Police Department and FBI are still searching for Hania’s kidnaper. If you have any information you’re urged to call the tip line at 910-272-5871.
