Plea made for missing girl's safe return

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- It's been nearly a month since a Hartford teen disappeared. Wednesday Hartford's Mayor and Interim Police Chief made a public plea for her safe return.

News 8 is told 16-year-old Cristina Ortiz' mother and step-father asked the Mayor to hold a news conference to get her name and face out there. They too wanted to tell her they miss her.

Cristina's parents said the last time they saw her and spoke with her was at their home. She was up late on the computer and told her step-father she couldn't sleep. They expected her to wake up and go to school the next morning, May 23rd, but she never did.

News 8 asked them if any kids at her school, Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Sciences, were giving her trouble. They said no. They described her as a happy girl who they miss seeing everyday.

Police say they have interviewed students and staff at the school and there is little information as to why she would leave or where she would be.

"There doesn't seem to be solid evidence of abduction," said Mayor Pedro Segarra, "but of course, not being familiar with the reasons, we don't want to rule out anything at this point."

"Please give us a call," said Cristina's step-father Pedro Baez. "We love you and miss you and want you to come home. Whatever happened, forget about it. We just want you home."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hartford Police Department.