Mother missing for weeks before someone calls police

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Chamblee police are searching for a mother who has been missing for more than a month.

No one has seen or heard from Cecilia Bustamante, 42, since she left her job frantically on Oct. 28.

A friend called 911 from Baltimore to report her missing after she didn’t show up for Thanksgiving.

Bustamante has a 7-year-old son, and friends said she would never leave him.

Police started their investigation at Bustamante’s home and tried to interview her husband.

“He didn’t report her missing No. 1, and No. 2, when I interviewed him, he showed a total lack of concern for his wife and the mother of his child,” Chamblee police Capt. Ernesto Ford said.

Channel 2’s Liz Artz went to the home Wednesday, but the woman’s husband did not want to speak with her.

Police have not charged him with anything.

Artz tracked down one of Bustamante’s friends who lives in Maryland.

“Something horrible has happened to Cecilia. I cannot imagine her walking away from Alex,” Mary Kemzura said.

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Police don’t believe Bustamante left on her own will.

“(She) disappeared against her own will. I don’t think she voluntarily left Georgia or Chamblee and I think she is in grave danger or worse,” Ford said.

Detectives searched Bustamante’s home, confiscated weapons and found her personal belonging locked in a safe.

“(She left) her credit cards, bank card, ID (and) passport. She left or was forced to leave without any of her belongings. She has no way, no means of sustaining herself,” Ford said.

Police think Bustamante was very involved in the local Filipino community and hope someone will have answers.

“I’m certain someone in that community knows more than they’re willing to say and we would love for them to reach out to us,” Ford said.

Anyone with information on the case should call CrimeStoppers at 404-577-8477. You can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward.

Cox Media Group