Maria Acedo was supposed to walk home like she had done countless times before. Instead, the 17-year-old disappeared that Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind a stunned family, a worried community, and a growing sense of urgency across Yuma. Authorities say Maria was last seen around 4:00 p.m. on December 2, when she left Cibola High School on foot and never made it back home.
Police quickly issued a Turquoise Alert after determining the teen was missing under concerning circumstances. Maria is a member of the Gila River Indian Community, and her disappearance has mobilized both local and tribal law enforcement. The Yuma Police Department is leading the investigation with support from the Gila River Police Department, working around the clock to track down any lead, no matter how small.
What makes the situation even more troubling is how hard Maria is to reach. According to her family, she does not have a cell phone and has no direct way to be contacted. Each passing hour without word has only deepened their fear. Loved ones describe her as someone who stays close to home, making her sudden absence all the more alarming.
Maria is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 256 pounds. She has black hair, brown eyes, and was 17 years old at the time she went missing. When she was last seen, she was wearing a black sweater over a blue shirt, white pajama pants, and carrying a black backpack. Police believe someone may have seen her walking shortly after school dismissed, and they’re asking those witnesses to come forward.
Investigators are stressing that this is not a case to speculate about online. Sharing rumors on social media, they say, can do real harm. Tips should go directly to law enforcement, where trained officers can evaluate and act on the information quickly and safely. Even details that seem insignificant could help retrace Maria’s steps.
Authorities have also issued a clear warning: knowingly hiding or helping to conceal a minor from their legal guardians is a crime. Under Gila River Indian Community law, interference with custody carries serious consequences. Officials say this reminder isn’t about blame—it’s about making sure Maria gets home safely.
For now, the focus remains on one goal: finding Maria Acedo and bringing her back to her family. Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Yuma Police Department at 928-783-4421 or the Gila River Police Department at 520-562-4511. Tips can also be texted to 911 or shared anonymously through the Gila River tip line at 520-562-7144. The community’s eyes and ears may be the key to ending this search the way everyone hopes it will.
