Missing 15-Year-Old Orphan Girl: Concerns Raised Over Delayed Media Coverage

A 15-year-old orphan girl, Sandra Elena Melinte, disappeared from a social center in Constanța on August 31, but the head of the center and her legal guardian only requested media coverage of the case on September 18, almost three weeks later.

Sandra, who lost her parents two years ago, was living in a social center after being taken into emergency placement by the DGASPC. She had started to leave home and was placed in the center for her care.

A representative from the social service with accommodation at the DGASPC stated that Sandra disappeared on August 31 and claimed that the police were notified on the same day. However, the head of the social center, who is also Sandra’s legal guardian, only gave permission for media coverage of the case on September 18.

“On August 31, Sandra left with a free ticket. She was supposed to return on the 31st at 19:00, but she never came. Around 7 pm, representatives of the social services contacted the police with accommodation, and at the same time, we are carrying out checks in order to identify the minor through the mobile team in the institution,” said the DGASPC representative.

The Constanța Police representative stated that the permission for media coverage was obtained on September 18, when the disappearance was reported.

“We note that the agreement for the mediation of the minor’s voluntary departure was secured on September 18. From the information I have so far, the permission of the media was requested at this time when the disappearance of the minor was reported,” said the Police representative.

When asked about the exact date the disappearance was reported, the Police representative said they did not have that information at the moment.

Description of Sandra: 1m 50cm tall, 50kg, wavy black hair, black eyes. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a pink and white blouse, and black sandals. If you see her, please call 112.