Above: Jesus Merino-Mendoza in 2007 (left) and an age-progressed image to 16, circa 2020 (right)

Jesus Merino-Mendoza

Last seen in Portland, Oregon on July 26, 2007

Vital statistics: Hispanic male. Born on February 4, 2004. Brown hair, brown eyes. He has a faint V-shaped birthmark on his forehead. Last seen wearing a blue sleeveless jersey with a number on the front, blue shorts and sandals. Was four at the time.

Circumstances: He was abducted by his non-custodial father, Jesus Merino Leyva. A photo and vital statistics are posted below. A felony warrant was issued for him on July 31, 2007. At the time of the abduction, Leyva had a restraining order prohibiting him from having contact with Merino-Mendoza or the child's mother. A cousin says he gave both of them a ride to Merced, California on July 26. He says they were trying to get to Mexico. Caution is advised.


Above: Jesus Leyva in 2007

Vital statistics: Hispanic male. Born on December 25, 1969. Black hair, brown eyes. At the time of the abduction, he was clean-shaven and his hair was shorter than in the photo above. His nickname is "Chu Cho." Was thirty-seven at the time. CAUTION ADVISED: HE MAY TRY TO HARM HIMSELF AND HIS CHILD.

If you have any information as to Jesus' whereabouts, please contact the Portland Police Department at 503-823-0400. Any information received can be kept confidential.


Information used to compile this casefile came from the following resources:
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The Doe Network
The Charley Project
NamUs National Missing Persons Data System
KGW 8
KATU

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