UPDATE: 9/21/19 9:49 a.m.
Officials say they won't give up hope in finding the girl alive.
After a briefing, they were sent out to look for clues to Alavez's whereabouts, in the park and around town.
Some 100 police officers expanded their search in the park Friday afternoon, although that should not be taken as a sign they believe Alavez is still in the area. Then again, they’re not ruling that out either.
"We continue to consider all possibilities. We remain hopeful that we’re going to find Dulce alive. We continue to search for any piece of evidence or information which will lead us to determine how Dulce went missing," said Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.
"I am very happy that we have people not just from Bridgeton but from other areas coming here to help. It's not just for one family, but we feel they're trying to help out the community as well," he said. "At the end of the day I think this proves that hope is out there and that's what matters. That's what matters to us."
Police are still looking for tips and are going so far as to ask people to take heed of someone’s behavior, including some subtle signs like changing their hair color or getting rid of their car.
“They may express an interest in the status of this investigation as well as pay close attention to the media,” Webb-McRae said. “Conversely, the offender may avoid any media concerning the investigation and redirect any efforts to discuss the investigation to other matters.”
They say those in the community who may be undocumented and have information should give them a call — no one with a tip will be asked about his or her immigration status. Finding Alavez is the most important thing.
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