NEW YORK—On June 23, Ashley Bissal was supposed to pick up her 10-year-old sister Angelie Bissal from school.
But she didn’t show up and hasn’t been seen since.
Ashley Bissal, 16, is a humble, hard working girl, her father said in a soft, downcast voice at a July 27 press conference.
The family moved to the United States from Guyana two years ago. Ashley did well in school and recently passed the state tests required for graduation, the father, Rabi Bissal, said.
On June 23, Ashley left her family’s apartment on the historical Grand Concourse in the Bronx, New York, to pick up her sister from school.
That was the last time her family saw her.
The New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse lists Ashley as a runaway. “She may be in the company of a white male juvenile,” the clearinghouse’s website states.
The male in question is most likely Kaleb Cardinale, Ashley’s boyfriend for more than a year, according to his Facebook page.
But, apparently, Ashley didn’t run away together with Kaleb Cardinale, since Kaleb is not missing, according to King’s spokeswoman Stephannia Cleaton. Kaleb’s family said they don’t know where Ashley is, according to King.
Ashley’s father had no idea his daughter had a boyfriend. Later he learned Ashley went to Kaleb high school’s graduation in The Bronx Botanical Garden on the day she went missing, Bissal said at the Wednesday press conference organized by City Council member Andy King.
Ashley’s family tried to send her a message through Kaleb high school’s Facebook page on June 27.
“Please come home, if you feel you did anything wrong, don’t worry all is forgiven, we just want you home, we love you & are worried sick,” the post reads.
“Please you know who you are Ashley’s mom is begging for information about her safety. We love Ashley and you and her should not be scared for her to return home. We love you Ashley and just want you safe,” the school, Bronx High School of Business, posted on its Facebook page on June 27.
King previously mentioned Ashley’s case at a press conference almost a month ago. At that time, he said he was worried she and 13 other missing girls in the Bronx may have been abducted, possibly for prostitution.
This time, however, he didn’t mention any such concerns. He also said 11 of the missing girls have since been found.
Ashley is five feet tall, of a slim build, with black hair and eyes.
With any information regarding the whereabouts of Ashley Bissal, contact NYPD Missing Persons Squad at 1-212-694-7781.
