MISSING PERSON
CASE #: 1976-10
Maria I Reyes
Also Known As:
Maria Aravena Asseensy
Status:
Open
Date of Last Contact:
Date of Last Contact:
Jurisdiction:
Missing From:
Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
Summary:
Maria Reyes was reported missing by a friend on March 22, 1976, after failing to attend a scheduled doctor's appointment. She was last reportedly seen by her husband, Hernan Reyes, who claimed she left their Pompton Lakes, New Jersey home voluntarily on March 21, 1976.
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Disappearance:
According to her husband, Maria packed two suitcases and left their residence located in the 1100 block of Ringwood Avenue. However, investigators doubt Maria’s ability to leave independently due to her poor health. Maria's close friend stated that Maria struggled to walk unaided, casting further suspicion on Hernan's account. At the time Maria disappeared, she and Hernan, who had no children, were undergoing divorce proceedings initiated by Hernan in January 1976. Hernan reportedly did not want responsibility for Maria’s medical care or expenses. When Maria contested the divorce filing, Hernan amended his claim to include desertion. Their divorce was finalized two years later, in 1978, despite Maria's unresolved disappearance.
Additional Details:
Less than three weeks before her disappearance, Maria underwent a Halsted mastectomy at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock. After the divorce, Hernan remarried, sold their shared home in 1981, and moved away. He has since passed away and was never charged in connection to Maria’s case. In 1989, authorities searched for Maria’s remains by excavating the patio of her former home. Bones were discovered but determined to be animal remains. Maria, originally from Chile, has relatives there who have not heard from her since her disappearance. Records indicate she has not returned to Chile since 1976. Neighbors remembered Maria as quiet and reclusive. Her case remains open and unresolved.
Case Last Updated:
Timeline of Events
Pompton Lakes police received information from authorities in Santiago, Chile, confirming that Maria had not entered the country during the time she was reported missing. There were no records of her returning to Chile.
Divorce hearing scheduled for Maria and Herman; he was suing for desertion, and she had also filed for divorce. Maria was reported missing the day before.
Maria Reyes reported missing by a close friend
Hernan claimed that Maria left home with clothing and money and that it was the last time her saw her
Maria's last phone call with her sister Berta Aravena Asseensy
Maria returned from a trip to Chile, where she spent time with her mother and sister.
Maria and Hernan were married at some point in 1963 according to the Courier-Post (Camden, New Jersey • Thu, Aug 17, 1989 Page 10)
Associated Persons
Jeffrey M K. (Other) - Living
Hernan R. (Spouse) - Living
Jack L. (Other) - Living
Berta A. (Sibling) - Living
Alice C. (Other) - Living
Family Tree
Why is this important?Missing person
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Missing Person
Missing Person
Case Content Disclaimer: The details on this case page are sourced from numerous locations to include family, friends, news postings and government public releases. Solve the Case, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of any content as case pages are living documents that frequently update as case details expand.
