TAMPA, Fla. — Last week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were able to bring closure to the family of Kelly Vazquez.

What You Need To Know

  • The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a missing persons case update, the remains found in September of 2023 were that of Kelly Vazquez, who had been missing since 2021
  • The case is revitalizing hope for Canitha Taylor, whose daughter, Cieha, went missing in 2020
  • She runs a Facebook page giving updates on her daughter's case and other missing persons cases

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, remains were found in September of last year. Those remains were later identified as that of Vazquez, who was deemed missing since 2021.

The discovery is helping to bring hope to many other cases in Hillsborough County.

One of those cases is that of Cieha Taylor. Her mother, Canitha Taylor, said her daughter was fun, loving and had a contagious smile.

It’s been four years since her daughter was last seen in Plant City.

On Feb. 6, 2020 Cieha was at a home with her boyfriend. Later that evening, her car was found on railroad tracks in Plant City.

The car was abandoned, left running with the door open. Cieha’s phone was on the ground, her wallet still inside the car.

“It feels like you separate yourself from reality,” Canitha said of the aftermath of her daughter’s disappearance. “Everything is going in slow motion and fast forwarding at the same time. It’s a nightmare.”

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the case is still open and active.

Canitha says since then they haven’t given up their hope to see Cieha again.

“We’ll retell the story of what happened and just keep her name out there so that it stays in people’s minds,” she said.

Through a Facebook page known as Finding Cieha, the family shares updates about her disappearance and that of other young women in Hillsborough County.

The family has even offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who might know where Cieha is.

“To not know, the not knowing is worse,” said Canitha.

Now, as she holds on to memories with her daughter, Canitha says she’s thankful for the community support that’s kept her going through this dark time.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says every contribution, no matter how small, plays a pivotal role in bringing closure to families and ensuring a swift resolution.