Remains found behind Branford restaurant identified as East Haven missing mom
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BRANFORD, CT (WFSB) — East Haven Police have identified the remains discovered behind a restaurant in Branford as a missing mom from East Haven.
East Haven police said on Thursday the remains were positively identified as 27-year-old Lizzbeth Aleman-Popica of East Haven.
On Wednesday, the search for Aleman-Popoca led police to the restaurant.
In fact, the owner of LoMonaco’s Ristorante Italiano on Route 1 in Branford told Channel 3 that Aleman-Popoca’s “significant other” worked at the business.
Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, state and local police swarmed a small chunk of grass behind a dumpster on the restaurant property.
The human remains were discovered in a shallow grave.
They said they were led there as part of the search for Aleman-Popoca.
At this time, the manner and cause of death for Aleman-Popoca have not been determined.
The wife and mother vanished more than two weeks ago.
Police said Aleman-Popoca’s 7-year-old daughter woke up from a nap and couldn’t find her, so the child called her father.
The father then called police.
He returned home to find the girl alone and Aleman-Popoca’s belongings still in the home.
East Haven police said earlier this week they believed foul play was a factor and that they treated the disappearance as suspicious.
Aleman-Popoca’s family told Channel 3 on Wednesday that they want answers because many people rely on her love.
“She was a caring mother. Dedicated. She was the only thing I had,” said Yaneth Aleman, Aleman-Popoca’s sister. “This feeling is overwhelming. It’s too much.”
Photos of Aleman-Popoca that were shared with Channel 3 showed her with her daughter.
“I want to know what happened with my daughter,” said Albino Aleman, Aleman-Popoca’s father. “We’re looking for answers. We have too many questions.”
“The baby now is asking me questions. ‘Where’s mommy?'” Yaneth Aleman said.
The search for Aleman-Popoca became a massive law enforcement effort.
Branford police, East Haven police, state police and the FBI were involved.
An update on the human remains is expected later in the day on Thursday.
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