After three years of searching, the boy whose disappearance captivated a nation has finally been found. Now, his community is learning how to say goodbye.
EVERMAN, Texas — A makeshift memorial of stuffed animals, balloons and flowers has taken shape at Everman Memorial Park, where residents are gathering to mourn a child most of them never knew but couldn’t forget — 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, whose remains were found last week buried in the yard of a home where his family once lived.
The discovery ended a three-year search that began in March 2023, when Texas Child Protective Investigations prompted a welfare check and Noel could not be located. His disappearance set off an intensive investigation involving local police, the FBI and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, eventually expanding into an international manhunt.
“It’s love. That’s very much love,” said Constance Edwards, a resident who talking about the memorial. “He didn’t get to see the future. He was a baby.”
Everman Police Chief Al Brooks said Noel has become like family.
“We have a lot of people heavily invested in this,” Brooks said.
Authorities confirmed the remains, recovered from the 3700 block of Wisteria Drive, were identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. Noel, who had developmental and physical disabilities, was last seen alive in October 2022. His family did not report him missing until months later.
His mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, faces a charge of capital murder in his death. She fled the country days after police came to check on Noel — traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to India with her husband and six other children.
Rodriguez-Singh was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in July 2025, with a $250,000 reward offered for information leading to her arrest. She was apprehended and extradited and booked into the Tarrant County Jail last year. In April 2026, a psychological evaluation found her incompetent to stand trial. She was ordered to a state hospital for competency restoration, though Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells has said she will eventually face trial.
Everman Police Chief Al Brooks said the investigative process will take time and noted the case has left a deep mark on his department.
“Noel has kind of become family,” Brooks said. “We have a lot of people heavily invested in this.”
In response to community requests, the city of Everman established a temporary memorial at Everman Memorial Park, 501 N. Race St. It will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Noel is laid to rest.
The city built a cross at the site. Brooks said he found an angel figurine that now stands alongside it, illuminated in light blue — Noel’s favorite color.
“Before, it was just a decoration,” Brooks said of the angel. “Now, she has a purpose.”
Residents may bring flowers, balloons, cards and small trinkets. Electronic candles are permitted; open flames are not allowed. City facilities across Everman began illuminating in light blue Saturday evening in his honor.
Everman Independent School District announced it will honor Noel on Thursday, the last day of the school year. Students and staff have been asked to wear light blue in his memory.
The city has also previously named an inclusive playground at Clyde Pittman Park, 300 Wichita St., the “Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez Playground” in his honor.
Resident Amiya Jackson said the memorial offers some measure of peace in the face of an unthinkable loss.
“Knowing he’s never going to come back — his spirit is always alive. His spirit is always present,” said Amiya Jackson, an Everman resident.
Brooks said he hopes the outpouring of love from strangers gives Noel something he may not have had enough of while he was alive.
“I’m hoping he knows that so many people care,” he said.