Ayla Reynolds’ Mother Says Father Has Disappeared

The mother of missing toddler, Ayla Reynolds, wants to serve the baby's father with legal papers, but says no one can find him.

It's a case that's captured the attention of Mainers since 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds disappeared from her father's residence in December of 2011. Her father, her aunt, and her father's girlfriend were in the house the night she vanished, but have insisted they have no idea what happened. The disappearance launched the biggest criminal investigation in state history and resulted in the discovery of a large amount of blood in the basement of the house. At that point, police said they did not believe Ayla was still alive.

Ayla's mother, Trista Reynolds, has worked for years to get justice for her daughter, including having Ayla declared legally dead in 2017, so she could pursue legal action. But, according to the Portland Press Herald, her latest attempt has come up against a roadblock, because no one can find Ayla's father, Justin DiPietro. Trista filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Justin in December and had 90 days to serve him with legal papers. But three months' worth of searching has turned up empty. Justin DiPietro's last known address was in Winnetka,California, where a resident told investigators he had moved out last summer.

Reynolds' attorneys are asking a judge for an extension and she's hoping to hear from anyone with information about Justin's whereabouts.