Luis Armando Albino, 6 years old, was kidnapped from a park in West Oakland while playing with his older brother. A woman lured him away with a promise of candy.
After his abduction, Albino was taken to the East Coast and raised by a couple as their son, losing contact with his biological family for decades.
In 2020, Albino’s niece, Alida Alequin, took a DNA test for fun, leading to a significant discovery: a 22% match with her long-lost uncle.
While reminiscing about family, Alequin had a sudden realization that the man she had matched with might be her uncle, sparking a deeper search.
With the help of Oakland police, the FBI, and the Justice Department, Alequin and authorities pursued the lead, eventually confirming Albino’s identity.
In June, Albino reunited with his family, sharing emotional moments and reconnecting after decades apart. They discussed their childhood and military service.
Albino retained some memories of his abduction but was given few answers by the adults in his life at the time. He has chosen to keep parts of his experience private.
Albino's brother Roger, who had been with him the day he was kidnapped, passed away shortly after their reunion
Albino, now a retired firefighter and Marine veteran, plans to visit California again next year to continue building ties with his rediscovered family.