The Long Beach community breathed a sigh of relief as Maria Raquel Mata Vallecillo, the 68-year-old woman reported missing since March 16, was found unharmed on March 27. According to the Long Beach Police Department's announcement, Vallecillo, an at-risk individual due to her mental condition, had last been seen leaving her residence nearly two weeks prior, posing considerable worry to family, friends, and authorities.

The Long Beach Police had issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in locating Vallecillo, particularly emphasizing her medical condition which might cause her to become disoriented. The missing person's description was widely circulated: a 68-year-old Hispanic female with white hair, and brown eyes, standing 5 feet tall, and weighing roughly 120 pounds. She was last seen in a floral blouse, dark jeans, and white sandals, with the notable characteristic of missing front teeth.

Authorities had been canvassing the area since her disappearance, enacting protocols typical for missing persons at risk. The Long Beach community was kept informed through ongoing updates and was urged to contribute any information they had. Long Beach Police provided contact numbers and took advantage of digital platforms like the "P3 Tips" app, alongside traditional methods, to encourage tips from the public.

Upon her safe return, the Long Beach Police Department did not release details regarding the circumstances of how or where Vallecillo was found. They simply shared the good news of her being located, unharmed. The sense of urgency that had rippled through the community transformed into collective relief, as her safety ensured the concern and efforts of many had not been in vain. The police, while grateful for the public's support, have not provided additional comments on the case.