Update: One-Year-Old Ziona Amaya Has Been Located

Update from MCPD:

“Detectives from the Montgomery County Police – Special Investigations Division (SVID) have located one-year-old Ziona Amaya and her father, Cornelius Smith.

Smith and the toddler were located in New York City, after being spotted by a passenger on a subway. That passenger recognized Smith from the Montgomery County Police news release that had been shared by the group, Black and Missing, Inc. on Facebook. The social media post on Black and Missing, Inc. had been shared over 1,400 times on Facebook.

The passenger took a picture of Smith with the child and called Montgomery County Police SVID via the phone number listed on the news release.

The passenger spoke with an SVID detective and forwarded the photo that had been taken on the subway to the detective.

With assistance from the New York City Police Department, Smith and Ziona were located, and Smith has been taken into custody.

Ziona is reported to be in good health and unharmed.”

Thank you to Black and Missing, Inc. and all who shared Ziona’s information!

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Police – Special Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing one-year-old from Silver Spring, and her 28-year-old father.

Ziona Amaya was last seen with her father,Cornelius Smith, on November 28 at approximately 6 p.m. The child and her mother, Sandy Barrientos, had been reported missing on November 28, however the mother has been located safe and unharmed, and Ziona is reportedly with Smith.

Ziona is an infant and has brown eyes and black hair. She was wearing a pink jacket, green pants, pink sneakers and a pink hat.

Smith is 5-feet, 9-inches tall, weighs 160 lbs. and has brown eyes and black hair (currently has hair in a full afro).

He was last known to be wearing a white hoodie (possibly with pink flowers on it), black pants, and unknown type of shoes.  Smith has a tattoo on his right arm of “Veda” and a tattoo by his left eye of a musical note. He was also carrying a black diaper bag for Ziona.

Smith is possibly using public transportation to get Ziona and himself around the DMV area.

Police and family are concerned for their welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ziona Amaya and Cornelius Smith is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

 

 

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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