Father Dies, Teenager Falls Into Depression

Monica Carrasco had trouble coping with the loss of her father, who died of a heart attack in the midst of suffering from bone cancer. She went to live with her aunt and uncle, Velma and Bela Baeza, in Balmorhea, Texas.

On October 1, 2003 Monica and the Baeza's went to bed around the same time. When Velma and Bela awoke the next morning... Monica was gone. They immediately contacted local law enforcement agencies.

Disoriented And Alone

Shortly before her disappearance, Monica Carrasco was in the hospital for bouts of anorexia and depression. Family members say the 16-year-old had problems dealing with her father's death.

A county wide search was called to try to find Monica. The local sheriff's department and U.S. Border Patrol searched on foot, from helicopters and with canine rescue units. More than 600 local residents participated.

One of Monica's uncles is a Reeves County Justice of the Peace in Balmorhea. He told police that Monica probably was disoriented from her new medication for depression, walked out of the house.

Small Town Yields No Clues

Cops say Balmorhea is a small town with a lake, caves and rocky cliffs. Since Monica was reportedly barefoot, investigators surmise she probably would not have gone near the rough terrain. Instead, they believe she walked toward nearby Highway 17 and may have been picked up by a stranger.

"We don't really have an actual theory as to what might have happened," said Sheriff Sergeant Danny Leos.

Monica Carrasco was last seen wearing a beige nightgown and walking barefoot holding a Bible. In 2003 she was 5'5" and weighed 110 pounds. Monica would be turning 19 in December 2005.