Missing Arizona Girl Found Alive After 30 Years

Christina Marie Plante was originally reported missing in 1994 but has since been located.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, weathered car key against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into Christina Marie Plante's disappearance.A key found at the scene of Christina Marie Plante's 1994 disappearance raises new questions about the circumstances of her long-term case.Payson Today

Christina Marie Plante, who was reported missing in Gila County, Arizona in 1994 at the age of 13, has been found alive and living in the United States. The Gila County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that Plante is unwilling to cooperate with the investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance, but has provided enough information to verify her identity as the missing juvenile.

Why it matters

The discovery of Plante alive after three decades raises many questions about what happened during her disappearance and the reasons behind her reluctance to cooperate with authorities. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases and the importance of never giving up on missing persons investigations.

The details

According to the Gila County Sheriff's Office, Plante was originally reported missing in 1994 by her uncle, Gary Plante, in the Star Valley area north of Payson. At the time, search efforts were conducted on a vehicle associated with her disappearance, and deputies believed she may have been taken by her mother, who did not have custody. However, they were unable to verify that information. The case was recently reopened by the Gila County Sheriff's Office's Cold Case Unit, which was able to confirm that Plante is alive, though she is unwilling to provide details about her disappearance.

  • Christina Marie Plante was originally reported missing in 1994.
  • The Gila County Sheriff's Office's Cold Case Unit recently reopened the investigation into Plante's disappearance.

The players

Christina Marie Plante

A woman who was reported missing in Gila County, Arizona in 1994 at the age of 13 and has now been found alive after 30 years.

Gary Plante

The uncle of Christina Marie Plante who originally reported her missing in 1994.

Gila County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that originally investigated Plante's disappearance in 1994 and has recently reopened the case through its Cold Case Unit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Gila County Sheriff's Office has stated that they will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Plante's disappearance and her current living situation, though she has been uncooperative so far.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of never giving up on missing persons investigations, even decades later. It also raises questions about the reasons behind Plante's reluctance to cooperate with authorities and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases.