Above Images: Merino-Mendoza, circa 2007
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 26, 2007 from Portland, Oregon Classification: Family Abduction Date Of Birth: February 4, 2004 Age: 3 years old Height and Weight: 3'0, 30 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Hispanic male. Brown hair, brown eyes. Merino-Mendoza has a faint V-shaped birthmark on his forehead. Clothing/Jewelry Description: A blue sleeveless jersey with a number on the front, blue shorts and sandals.
Details of Disappearance
Merino-Mendoza disappeared from Portland, Oregon on July 26, 2007. He was abducted by his non-custodial father, Jesus Merino Leyva. A photograph and vital statistics for Leyva are posted below this case summary. A felony warrant was issued for him on July 31, 2007. A cousin says he gave Leyva and Merino-Mendoza a ride to Merced, California on July 26. He says they were trying to get to Mexico.Leyva is described as unstable, and he had a restraining order prohibiting him from having contact with Merino-Mendoza or the child's mother. Caution is advised when approaching either of them; relatives believe Leyva may kill himself and Merino-Mendoza if cornered by police. The child's whereabouts are unknown and his case remains unsolved.
Jesus Merino Leyva
Above: Jesus Merino Leyva
Date of Birth: December 25, 1969
Age: 37 years old
Height and Weight: 5'5, 180 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Hispanic male. Black hair, brown eyes. Leyva's nickname is Chu Cho. At the time of the abduction, he was clean-shaven and his hair was shorter than in the photo above.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated October 3, 2008; picture added.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Portland Police Department
503-823-0400
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
KGW 8
KATU
For the Missing -- Pacific Northwest