Missing 12-Year-Old Girl Prompts Search by Hall County Sheriff’s Office

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has launched a search for a missing 12-year-old girl, Maria Gomez-Perez, last seen at her residence on Westside Drive off Pearl Nix Parkway around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29.

Maria Gomez-Perez is described as 5’3” tall, weighing between 100-110 lbs, with brown eyes and long black hair. She was reportedly wearing a bright blue shirt at the time of her disappearance, as shown in the provided photo. No further description of her clothing is available at this time.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Maria’s whereabouts to contact 911 or the Hall County Sheriff’s Office at 770-536-8812.

UPDATE – June 3, 2024: The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has issued a statement addressing the community’s concern over the disappearance of 12-year-old Maria Gomez-Perez from Gainesville. The HCSO expressed its deep concern for Maria’s well-being and acknowledged the high level of community anxiety surrounding the case.

In response to questions and concerns raised on social media, the HCSO confirmed that investigators had reached out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to request a Levi’s Call, Georgia’s version of the Amber Alert. However, after reviewing the case, the GBI determined that Maria’s case did not meet three out of five activation criteria:

1. Reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.
2. Belief that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
3. Sufficient descriptive information about the victim and the abductor.

Instead, the GBI issued a Media Advisory to metro and north Georgia broadcast partners, resulting in three tips received via 911, none of which led to Maria’s whereabouts.

The HCSO addressed accusations of insufficient effort, stating that a dedicated team of investigators is working diligently on the case, aiming to bring Maria home safely. The HCSO encouraged the community to report tips through appropriate channels, emphasizing that social media is not a reliable method. Anonymous tips can be called into 770-503-3232 or emailed to intelrequest@hallcounty.org. Tips can also be reported via 911 or 770-536-8812.

The HCSO asked the community to keep Maria in their prayers as the investigation continues.