Search warrants were released this week concerning the disappearance of an 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari, who was last seen in Cornelius, North Carolina, in November.
A Mecklenburg County judge unsealed six search warrants this week; the partially-redacted documents had previously been sealed. Although many of the details in the case had already been public, as CrimeOnline previously reported, a few pages previously sealed showed items taken in as evidence.
The unsealed documents, first reported by WBTV, indicate that police seized emails, credit card, cellphone data, three iPhones, and banking information from Madalina’s mother, Diana Cojocari, and stepfather Christopher Palmiter.
Palmiter and Cojocari are behind bars facing charges after they failed to report Madalina missing until nearly a month after she was reportedly last seen.
Although she was reported missing on December 15, Cojocari told police that she hadn’t seen her since November 23. The FBI and several other agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation, have joined the search efforts and investigation.
According to an arrest affidavit, Cojocari told detectives that she didn’t immediately report Madalina missing because she was concerned that Palmiter would put her family in danger and that it “might start a conflict” with him.
An affidavit said Palmiter left for Michigan around the time Madalina disappeared, although there has been conflicting information on exactly when he left.
The warrants unsealed this week stated investigators also searched the suspects’ home for forensic evidence, such as blood and fluids.
Last month, the FBI released footage from a school bus security camera, which showed Madalina in a white shirt and backpack as she exited the bus at 4:59 p.m. on November 21 in Cornelius.
“This is the last time investigators have independent confirmation of when Madalina was last seen. She got off the bus on 11-21-22, at 4:59 p.m. We are seeking additional witnesses outside of the family to narrow down the exact timeline of when she disappeared,” the FBI Charlotte said.
This is the last time investigators have independent confirmation of when Madalina was last seen. She got off the bus on 11-21-22, at 4:59 p.m. We are seeking additional witnesses outside of the family to narrow down the exact timeline of when she disappeared. #FindMadalina pic.twitter.com/dkStKHmjjB
— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) December 20, 2022
Madalina is described as a white female who stands 4-feet-10-inches tall and weighs around 90 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Madalina should call the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773. To remain anonymous, call North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867.
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[Featured image: Police Handout]
