In a shocking new development in the heartbreaking disappearance of 5-year-old Daleyza Fregoso, authorities have arrested a woman who lived in the same building as the prime suspect, Ruben Fregoso, dramatically intensifying the ongoing search efforts. The young girl has been missing since late May 2026, following the violent death of her mother in their West Adams home in Los Angeles.

The case first captured national attention when Los Angeles police responded to a welfare check on May 25 and discovered Daleyza’s mother, identified as Marisol Fregoso (or Marisol Garcia Palacios), dead inside the residence from what investigators described as violence. Ruben Fregoso, the 40-year-old father of the child, quickly became the central person of interest. He and little Daleyza were last seen early on May 24 near Alsace Avenue and Ferndale Street. Surveillance footage later showed the pair at a parking garage in San Ysidro near the U.S.-Mexico border, with Fregoso holding his daughter’s hand as they left with luggage, raising fears they may have fled into Mexico.

Now, the arrest of a female resident from the same apartment building has injected fresh urgency into the investigation. While specific charges against the woman have not been fully detailed publicly, sources indicate she may hold critical information about the events leading up to the tragedy. Detectives are reportedly questioning her about potential connections to Fregoso, any observed suspicious activity in the building, or knowledge of his plans. This breakthrough suggests authorities are methodically piecing together the timeline, interviewing neighbors and close associates in hopes of uncovering hidden clues that could lead them to Daleyza.

Daleyza is described as approximately 3 feet tall, weighing around 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was believed to be traveling in a white 2019 Land Rover Discovery registered to Fregoso, a vehicle later recovered near the border area. Ruben Fregoso, standing 5’9″ and weighing about 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, faces formal charges including murder and misdemeanor child abuse. Prosecutors allege he killed the child’s mother before abducting their daughter and attempting to flee the country. An Amber Alert remains active across multiple regions, with law enforcement urging the public to report any sightings immediately.

The West Adams community has rallied in support, holding prayer vigils and creating memorials for the slain mother while pleading for Daleyza’s safe return. Neighbors describe the family as keeping a relatively low profile, making the sudden eruption of violence all the more devastating. As the search crosses international lines, investigators continue to analyze surveillance, phone records, and any tips from the building where the arrest was made. The presence of a potential witness or accomplice in the same residence complex could prove pivotal in unraveling the full story.

The emotional toll on family and friends is immense, with loved ones expressing both grief for the mother and desperate hope that little Daleyza remains unharmed. Authorities stress that time is critical, and every lead, no matter how small, could bring this nightmare to an end. The public is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department or local authorities with any information on Fregoso or the child’s whereabouts. This case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly domestic situations can escalate, leaving an innocent child caught in the crossfire.