Marcus Farina

Marcus Farina

Real Name: Marcus Antonio Farina
Nicknames: No known nicknames
Location: Los Angeles, California
Date: December 6, 1991

Bio

Occupation: Minor
Date of Birth: January 14, 1991
Height: 2'6"
Weight: 22 pounds
Marital Status: Single
Characteristics: Marcus has a severe thyroid condition; he could develop Graye's disease and acute heart failure if not treated soon.

Case

Details: Nine-month-old Marcus Farina is the son of Sergio Farina and Patricia Rose. Patricia is a veteran casting director for movies and television. Every year, she auditions hundreds of men and women who come to Hollywood seeking stardom. In March of 1990, she met Sergio, an aspiring actor who had been born and raised in Uruguay. She took him under her wing and helped him land small roles in a few low-budget productions. All the while, she was falling in love with her newest discovery.
In September of 1990, Patricia discovered she was pregnant. Sergio was less than overjoyed; according to her, he was in absolute shock and disbelief. He then claimed that it would interfere with his career and life. However, by the time she was three months pregnant, he decided that it was okay and became happy with the idea of being a father.
In December of 1990, Patricia and Sergio moved in together. Six months later, Marcus was born. Almost immediately, doctors diagnosed him with a severe thyroid condition. After seven days of observation, Patricia was able to bring him home. However, doctors warned her that she should have him checked frequently for signs of Graves' disease. The homecoming coincided with the disintegration of Patricia and Sergio's relationship. Three months later, she took the baby and moved out.
Eventually, Patricia allowed Sergio unsupervised visits with Marcus. On December 6, 1991, Sergio picked him up for a doctor's appointment. They never arrived and he never brought Marcus home. Patricia went to Sergio's apartment and found it empty. He had left a note on the mirror which read: "Ha! Ha! Ha! You'll never find us. Merry Christmas!" Kidnapping charges were filed against him six days later. He and Marcus have not been seen since; it is believed that they may now be in South America.
Patricia fears that due to the arrest warrant, Sergio may not seek medical treatment for Marcus. She is especially concerned because Marcus's thyroid condition must be monitored regularly. As a result of his condition, he can develop Graves' disease, which can result in acute heart failure if not treated properly.
Suspects: Sergio Farina
Extra Notes: This case first aired on a Special Alert in the March 18, 1992 episode.

Marcus in 2012

Results: Unsolved. Interestingly, a photograph of Marcus at age 21 turned up in 2012 (shown to the right). Further details about it are not available. If he's still alive, he would now be twenty-nine.
Links:

• Marcus Farina on the Charley Project
• Marcus Farina on the Doe Network
• Marcus Farina on NCMEC
• Marcus Farina on For the Lost
• Marcus Farina on California Department of Justice Website
• Tapping Into 'Mysteries' Phone Bank
• It's No Enigma: The Public Loves Interactive 'Unsolved Mysteries'

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