A New Caney family is asking for the public’s help finding Maria Veronica Ortiz Estrada, who has been missing for nearly two weeks.
Maria was last seen by family members around noon July 20, according to her daughter, Carla Ortiz. A nearby resident reportedly saw her around 6 p.m. that day and said she appeared disoriented and unsure which direction to walk.
Maria may also use the name Maria Veronica Ortiz. She was last seen wearing a blue Houston Texans jersey with No. 10 on the back, dark blue Adidas shorts and black sparkly Crocs, size 7. She has short, thick hair and may have been carrying a plastic bag.
Carla said her mother has shown significant signs of dementia for about six years. Her condition appeared to worsen after she lost her job and daily routine during the COVID-19 pandemic, around the same time her own mother died.
“She doesn’t know where she’s at most of the time,” Carla said. “Sometimes she doesn’t remember us, and we’re very concerned that she could be anywhere.”
Carla said this is not the first time her mother has wandered away. Maria went missing in December but was found at a nearby park within 24 hours. This time, nearly two weeks have passed without her return.
Search-and-rescue crews spent hours Sunday looking near Highway 99 and FM 1485 with drones and all-terrain vehicles. Family members and volunteers have also searched on foot and by bicycle.
“We’ve been on foot, on bikes, on drones, four-wheelers—everywhere in the nearby area,” Carla said. “But it’s a lot of acres to cover.”
The search has taken an emotional and physical toll on Maria’s family, Carla said. Family members have lost sleep and their appetites while spending much of their free time checking social media for possible sightings.
“We’re desperate to find her,” Carla said. “Even if it’s not reliable, we still go.”
Carla is asking people to report possible sightings directly to 911 rather than relying only on social media comments. She said that would allow authorities to respond quickly and determine whether the person seen is her mother.
The family has played some of Maria’s favorite music while searching. Carla said Maria enjoys Vicente Fernández and likes Sprite. She responds to both Maria and Veronica.
The family hopes Maria will return in time to celebrate her second grandchild’s birthday.
“We’ve really been wanting to celebrate it with her,” Carla said.
Anyone who sees Maria or has information about where she may be is asked to call 911 or 936-538-5900.