Van of Woman Who Disappeared Recovered

A van driven by a woman who disappeared on the eve of Mother’s Day was recovered Friday on a residential street in Mission Hills, two miles from the woman’s home.

Investigators late Friday were conducting tests of the dark-blue and silver 1997 Chevrolet Astro van to determine if there were any signs of foul play, said San Fernando Police Lt. Dan Peavy.

Dora Marie Silva, 32, a married mother of four children, ages 4 through 15, was last seen leaving her San Fernando home late in the evening May 8, Peavy said. Friends and relatives said Silva has no history of disappearing or leaving unannounced and that they are particularly alarmed by her absence on Mother’s Day, Peavy said.

However, police said they have no evidence that the woman is in jeopardy.

On Friday, the van was reported parked on Marklein Avenue, near San Fernando Mission Boulevard and the San Diego Freeway, after a woman recognized the vehicle from a newspaper story.

Residents told investigators the van had been parked on the street between late May 8 and early May 9.

“We want anybody who might have seen Dora or anybody around the van late Saturday or early Sunday morning to contact us,” Peavy said. The department can be reached at (818) 898-1286 or (818) 898-1276.

Silva is described as Latina, 5 feet, 3 inches, 120 pounds, medium-length brown hair, brown eyes, with a mole on her left cheek.