Carla Vicentini

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Essex County Sheriffs Department (NJ)

Missing From:

Newark, New Jersey

Reward:

up to $20,000

via FBI

Not from STC, Conditions and restrictions apply

Summary:

Vicentini arrived in the United States on January 19, 2006, as an exchange student from Brazil. She was living with another exchange student in Newark at the time of her disappearance.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Disappearance:

Carla Vicentini was last seen leaving a bar and grill in Newark, New Jersey, during the early morning hours of February 10, 2006. At that time, she was thought to have been intoxicated and was seen with an unidentified white male. She told a friend that she was going outside the bar to the man's car to view a photograph. She has not been seen since she left the restaurant.

Additional Details:

Carla Vicentini arrived in New Jersey on January 19, 2006, as part of a cultural exchange program, eager to experience American life after saving money for the opportunity. She was 22, an engineering student from Brazil, with limited English skills but an outgoing personality. Initial Placement (First ~2 Weeks): She was assigned to work at a White Castle restaurant on Route 46 in Ledgewood (near Dover/Roxbury), a fast-food job common for exchange participants. She lived in a cramped motel room (Roxbury Motel) shared with several other women in the program. Reports indicate she quickly became unhappy with the living conditions and job. Move to Newark (Early February 2006): Around February 5, she relocated to Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, a vibrant area with a large Brazilian and Portuguese community. She moved into an apartment on Ferry Street with a roommate (another exchange student, possibly named Maria or Eduarda). The apartment belonged to a family friend, José Fernandes (a 75-year-old man). She changed jobs to work at the Mediterranean Manor, a banquet hall on Jefferson Street in Newark, where she had just started. Daily Life in Newark: Her time there was brief—only a few days before her disappearance on February 9-10. She was excited about her new surroundings, socializing in the local community, including outings to bars like the Adega Bar & Grill on Ferry Street (near her home). She had a boyfriend back in Brazil and reportedly confided in him about some discomfort with her living situation, including a concerning incident with her landlord. Despite challenges, she was adapting, exploring the neighborhood, and enjoying the cultural immersion. Her NJ stay lasted just under a month, marked by a transition from dissatisfaction to a fresh start in a familiar cultural enclave. Carla Vicentini vanished around 2:30 AM on February 10, 2006 (often reported as February 9 evening), after leaving the Adega Bar & Grill in Newark, NJ. Investigations revealed limited physical evidence, with no body or major traces discovered despite extensive searches. Key findings include: Personal Belongings at Residence: Her jacket, wallet, passport, and a bag of work clothing were found in her Ferry Street apartment, suggesting she may have briefly returned home after leaving the bar. This contradicts some witness accounts of her entering a car with a man and not returning. Mysterious Phone Call: Several days later, an unidentified caller screamed for help on her boss's cell phone. The call's origin and relevance remain unclear, with no further details or connections established. No other evidence, such as CCTV footage, blood, or personal items elsewhere, has been publicly reported. The case is classified as endangered, missing or possible kidnapping, with ongoing FBI involvement and a $20,000 reward for information leading to her location or those responsible. Theories include foul play, human trafficking, or abduction, but no conclusive leads have emerged. Persons of Interest (POIs) Unidentified Man ("Antonio"): The primary POI is the man she left the bar with, described as a white male in his 30s, 5'8" tall, 200 lbs, stocky build, fair complexion, blue/light eyes, short salt-and-pepper hair, and unshaven beard. She reportedly went to his car to "see a photo." He remains unnamed and at large, with authorities seeking his identity. Her family and other people online also speculate that her landlord,José Fernandes, is a potential POI. Alleged Incident: Carla reportedly confided in her boyfriend back in Brazil about a "horrifying incident" with the landlord the day before her disappearance (February 8-9, 2006). Online sources (e.g., Reddit threads and case summaries) describe him as "kinda creepy" and allege he attempted to assault her about a week prior, prompting her to look for new housing. Inconsistent Statements: During the investigation, Fernandes provided three varying accounts of the night Carla vanished: first claiming he was asleep and heard nothing, then saying he heard footsteps, and finally stating he saw her coming and going. Behavior After Disappearance: Carla's mother reported suspicious actions—he left the U.S. for Brazil just four days after Carla went missing and made no effort to contact the family. Authorities later explained this as him returning to finalize a divorce. Other Notes: He did not report Carla missing himself (her roommate and he informed the family days later). Some discussions question why her belongings were left at the apartment if she never returned. NOTE*: The landlord in this situation seems to be the focus of speculation among both strangers and family members. After immersing myself in research about this case, I stumbled upon this website while actively seeking help and any information that could shed light on Carla’s situation. I find this case profoundly saddening, especially when reflecting on how the police and the FBI have handled it, or rather, how they have struggled to address the pressing issues it presents. In my quest for understanding, I've watched numerous videos that showcase how ordinary people online have successfully solved cases that have eluded law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. This disparity between the resources available to professionals and the ingenuity displayed by amateur sleuths raises a lot of questions about the investigative processes and priorities of authorities. The frustration and hopelessness surrounding this case have prompted many to seek answers beyond traditional law enforcement channels. It’s a reminder of how critical community engagement and shared information can be in resolving such complex and heartbreaking situations. If you want to update/correct anything, please let me know.

Case Last Updated:

Apr 28, 2026