Abducted as a Child, Luis Albino Reunites with Family after 70 Years

In 1951, 6-year-old Luis Armando Albino was kidnapped from a park in Oakland, California. Enticed by the promise of candy, he was transported to the East Coast, where he was raised by a couple as their own child. For over seven decades, Luis’s family in Oakland never gave up hope that he was still alive. Earlier this year, after years of tireless searching, Luis was found alive, thanks to the determination of his niece, Alida Alequin, and the collaboration of authorities.

Family’s Unwavering Hope

Luis's mother, Antonia Albino, always believed her son was alive, even as the years passed. According to Alequin, her grandmother maintained her hope for Luis’s return until her death at the age of 92 in 2005. A 1966 article in the Tribune captured Antonia’s enduring “vigil of hope,” 15 years after the kidnapping. Despite the uncertainty, the family never stopped searching for Luis.

DNA Testing Leads to a Breakthrough

In 2020, Alida Alequin decided to take an online DNA test, which revealed a connection to a man who was eventually identified as Luis. Through additional research and with the help of investigators, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, the family confirmed his identity. Luis, now a retired firefighter and Marine Corps veteran, had lived on the East Coast for most of his life, unaware of his real identity.

Emotional Family Reunion

In June 2024, Luis returned to Oakland for an emotional reunion with his long-lost family. After seven decades of separation, tearful hugs and heartfelt conversations filled the room as Luis reconnected with his relatives. One of the most poignant moments was his reunion with his brother Roger, who had been with him at the park on the day of the kidnapping. Tragically, Roger passed away in August 2024, but Alida shared that he was at peace, knowing his brother had been found.

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A Story of Hope

Luis has since returned to the East Coast, but the family is immensely grateful for the reunion that brought closure to a decades-long search. Alida hopes that her family’s story will inspire others facing similar situations to never give up hope, no matter how many years may pass.