Cornelius Police Chief Discusses Investigation into Missing 11-Year-Old Madalina Cojocari

One year after the mysterious disappearance of Madalina Cojocari, Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom provides an update on the ongoing investigation.

**Cornelius, North Carolina** - November 21, 2023 marks the one-year anniversary of the disappearance of Madalina Cojocari, an 11-year-old girl from Cornelius, North Carolina. As the search for Madalina continues, Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom has provided an update on the investigation.

Madalina was last seen getting off a school bus near her home in Cornelius on the evening of November 21, 2022. Her parents, Christopher Palmiter and Diana Cojocari, did not report her missing until December 15, 2022, three weeks after she disappeared.

Palmiter and Cojocari were subsequently arrested and charged with failure to report a missing child to law enforcement. Palmiter was found guilty on May 31, 2023, and sentenced to 30 months of supervised probation. Cojocari pleaded guilty to the same charge in April 2023.

Despite the charges, the whereabouts of Madalina remain unknown. Police have conducted extensive searches, interviewed numerous individuals, and followed up on hundreds of leads. However, no credible information has been obtained to indicate Madalina's location.

"This investigation has been challenging and heartbreaking," said Chief Baucom. "We have dedicated countless hours to finding Madalina and bringing her home safe. However, we have not given up, and we will continue to pursue every possible lead."

Investigators have been reviewing phone and email records, as well as financial transactions, in an attempt to piece together Madalina's movements in the days leading up to her disappearance. They have also searched the home Palmiter and Cojocari shared with Madalina, and interviewed their extended family and friends.

Investigators have also consulted with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit to develop a profile of the person or persons responsible for Madalina's disappearance. However, no suspects have been identified.

"We understand the frustration and concern that surrounds this case," said Chief Baucom. "We want the public to know that we are committed to finding Madalina and holding those responsible accountable for her disappearance."

Chief Baucom urged anyone with information about Madalina's whereabouts to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773. He also encouraged the public to share information about the case on social media using the hashtag #FindMadalina.

"We will never stop searching for Madalina," said Chief Baucom. "We are confident that one day, we will bring her home."