The case of Diego Brito Ramirez, a Pittsburgh boy who disappeared on March 9, 2019, will be featured Wednesday night on Investigation Discovery’s “In Pursuit With John Walsh.”
Diego was 10 at the time of his disappearance here, standing 4 feet tall and weighing 80 pounds. He is of Hispanic descent with brown hair and brown eyes. Working in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), two children are featured each hour, with age-progression photos and descriptions.
The episode airs at 10 p.m. Viewers with any information about Diego’s whereabouts are urged to call or text the program at 1-833-3-PURSUE. Tips can also be submitted online at InPursuitTips.com. The show notes both resources are staffed by trained operators who will accept anonymous tips and alert the proper authorities.
Diego is “believed to be in the care of a family member,” according to Cara Cruz, deputy public information officer with the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety. Ms. Cruz also stated Diego “was not abducted and is not considered to be endangered,” but police continue to investigate the case.
“Children go missing all sorts of different ways,” Rebecca Steinbach, senior program manager for NCMEC, said. “The detective working this case is trying to make sure [Diego] is located and found safe.”
Once officials verify his well-being and location, Diego will no longer be considered a missing person, Ms. Steinbach said. She also said there is not currently a warrant for anyone in connection to the case.
Mr. Walsh and his son, Callahan Walsh, work with local authorities as well as the community to track down persons of interest. Getting a missing child’s photo out into the public is crucial, according to authorities.
The NCMEC hotline is 1-800-THELOST, and the Pittsburgh police can be reached at 412-323-7800.
Maria Sciullo: m.sciullo@post-gazette.com or @MariaSciulloPG. Tyler Dague and Lacretia Wimbley contributed to this story.
First Published: February 11, 2020, 2:47 p.m.