Boy abducted in Oakland 70 years ago found on East Coast

Luis Armando Albino was abducted at the age of six in 1951 from a park in West Oakland while playing with his brother. A woman lured him away with the promise of candy and subsequently took him to the East Coast, where he was raised by a couple as their son. Albino's family, who had recently moved from Puerto Rico, never stopped searching for him, and his mother kept a newspaper clipping about his kidnapping until her death in 2005. In 2020, Albino's niece, Alida Alequin, took a DNA test for fun, which revealed a 22% match with a man who turned out to be her long-lost uncle. Initially unsure of the connection, Alequin had a realization while discussing family history with her daughters, prompting her to investigate further. They found pictures that confirmed their suspicions about the man’s identity. With the assistance of law enforcement, Alequin was able to locate Albino on the East Coast. He provided a DNA sample that confirmed his identity, leading to a reunion with his family in California in June. During this emotional reunion, Albino and his brother Roger, who was present during the abduction, shared stories about their military experiences and childhood. Although Albino had some memories of his abduction, he had received little information from the adults in his life. Tragically, Roger passed away shortly after their reunion, but the bond they formed during their time together was significant, highlighting the enduring impact of family ties despite decades of separation.