La Vernia, TX — Community Rallies as Search Continues for Missing 16-Year-Old Carolina Perez
Authorities and community members in La Vernia, Texas, are continuing their urgent search for Carolina Perez, a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since the evening of March 12, 2025. Carolina was last seen around 6:00 p.m. leaving her place of employment located on the 120 block of US Highway 87 West, and she has not been heard from since.
The disappearance of the bright, kind-hearted teenager has deeply unsettled the small community of La Vernia, a town known for its tight-knit bonds and strong sense of mutual support. As hours turned into days, and now weeks, concern for Carolina’s well-being has grown exponentially.
What We Know
Carolina Perez had just finished her shift at work when she was last seen. Surveillance footage reportedly captured her exiting the building, but what happened afterward remains a mystery. According to investigators, she was not known to have access to a vehicle, and she was believed to be walking at the time. Her phone has since been inactive, and no financial activity has been noted on her accounts.
Law enforcement agencies, including the La Vernia Police Department, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Rangers, have joined forces in an effort to locate Carolina. Local volunteers and search teams have conducted extensive canvasses of surrounding areas, including wooded regions, creeks, and rural roads. Despite their efforts, no significant leads have yet emerged.
Description and Details
Carolina Perez is described as:
- 16 years old
- Approximately 5’4″ tall
- Weighing around 120 pounds
- With dark brown hair and brown eyes
At the time of her disappearance, she was reportedly wearing her work uniform—black pants and a polo shirt. Family members say she may have also had a backpack or purse with her, though that detail has not been confirmed.
Family’s Plea for Help
Carolina’s family is devastated by her disappearance and continues to urge the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small it may seem. “We just want our daughter home,” said her mother, Isabel Perez, through tears at a recent vigil held in La Vernia’s town square. “Carolina, if you can hear us—we love you. Please come home.”
Carolina’s loved ones describe her as a quiet but thoughtful young woman who loves music, reading, and spending time with her family. Her absence has left a painful void, and her parents are struggling to maintain hope while grappling with the unknown.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Response
Flyers bearing Carolina’s photo and physical description have been posted throughout Wilson County and shared across social media platforms, gaining statewide attention. Tips continue to be called in, and law enforcement remains committed to investigating every lead.
Search parties organized by friends, family, and volunteers have combed fields, backroads, and parking lots in La Vernia and surrounding areas. Local businesses have offered security footage and assistance in spreading the word. A reward fund has been established to encourage the public to come forward with information that may lead to her safe return.
How You Can Help
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Carolina Perez or has information about her disappearance to immediately contact the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at (830) 393-2535, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
You can also submit anonymous tips through local Crime Stoppers programs.
Holding on to Hope
As the days go on, the community of La Vernia refuses to give up hope. Vigils, prayer circles, and support groups have formed, with residents holding onto the belief that Carolina will be found and returned safely to the arms of her family.
In a town where everyone knows everyone, Carolina’s disappearance has reminded many of the importance of looking out for one another and staying vigilant. Her story has become a rallying cry—not just for answers, but for unity, resilience, and the unwavering hope that this missing daughter, friend, and sister will soon come home.
Please help spread the word. Someone knows something. Let’s bring Carolina home.