A 13-year-old girl who went missing from Arizona in 1994 has been found alive, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.

Decades-Long Search Concludes

Christina Marie Plante disappeared from Star Valley, a small community northeast of Phoenix, on May 16, 1994. Her disappearance triggered a large-scale search involving volunteers and the sheriff’s office.

Case Remains Open, Then Reopened

Despite the initial investigation, the case eventually went cold. However, it was never officially closed and was periodically reviewed by investigators.

Breakthrough Through Modern Techniques

The case was later assigned to a cold case unit. “Utilizing advances in technology, modern investigative techniques, and detailed case review, detectives developed new leads that ultimately led to a breakthrough,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Limited Details Released

According to a missing person poster, Plante was last seen walking to a stable where she kept her horse. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is currently withholding further details to respect Plante’s privacy.