Cornelius community marks missing teen Madalina Cojocari's 15th birthday amid ongoing investigation

Local police, state authorities, and the FBI continue to pursue leads as the community works to keep her memory and case visible.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:09am

An abstract, out-of-focus scene composed of soft, warm pools of light and color, conceptually representing the somber yet hopeful mood of a community remembering a missing teenager.The Cornelius community comes together to honor the memory of missing teen Madalina Cojocari on what would have been her 15th birthday.Cornelius Today

The Cornelius community is honoring missing teen Madalina Cojocari on what would have been her 15th birthday. Police have set up a public drop box at their station for residents to leave birthday cards, as the multi-year search for Madalina remains active. Investigators say they are still pursuing leads with local, state, and federal authorities, while the community works to keep her memory and case visible.

Why it matters

Madalina Cojocari's disappearance has deeply impacted the Cornelius community, and her 15th birthday serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing efforts to find her and provide closure for her family and loved ones. The community's continued support and engagement in the investigation highlights the importance of keeping missing persons cases active and visible, even as time passes.

The details

Madalina Cojocari was last seen on November 23, 2022, at her home in Cornelius. Since then, local police, state authorities, and the FBI have been actively investigating her disappearance, following up on leads and working to uncover any information that could help locate her. The Cornelius community has rallied around the family, organizing events and initiatives to keep Madalina's case in the public eye.

  • Madalina Cojocari was last seen on November 23, 2022.
  • Madalina would have celebrated her 15th birthday on April 11, 2026.

The players

Madalina Cojocari

A missing teenager from Cornelius, North Carolina who was last seen on November 23, 2022.

Cornelius Police Department

The local law enforcement agency leading the investigation into Madalina Cojocari's disappearance, in coordination with state and federal authorities.

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What’s next

The Cornelius Police Department has set up a public drop box at their station for residents to leave birthday cards for Madalina Cojocari, as the investigation into her disappearance continues.

The takeaway

Madalina Cojocari's 15th birthday serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts to find her and provide closure for her family and the Cornelius community. The community's continued engagement and support for the investigation highlights the importance of keeping missing persons cases active and visible, even as time passes.