What was the outcome of Floridalma Roque’s trip to Guatemala? She traveled there for cosmetic surgery but never came back.
On June 13, Floridalma Roque went to the Perfektima clinic in Guatemala City for a planned plastic surgery. However, the following day, Roque, who is a citizen of the United States, could not be found.
The family of Roque has been on the hunt for her ever since, and the ordeal has left them feeling isolated and hopeless as they attempt to navigate through two legal systems and a delayed criminal inquiry.
Vida Roque, age 22, shared with CBS News that her stepfather, Jeremias, was crying and expressing that her mother had not returned home from the clinic on June 14. According to Vida, her mother, who resides in New York, had previously received a successful surgery at the clinic in Guatemala and had returned for liposuction on her back and arms.
Roque’s daughter mentioned that her mother was not fond of traveling alone and always preferred to have company, so it was unexpected for her to go alone after the surgery. Vida tried calling her mother multiple times, but received no response. Vida also shared that Rosario Sandoval, a relative, had agreed to pick up Roque from the clinic the morning after the surgery at 10 a.m.
On his Facebook page, Dr. Malouf reported that Roque left the hospital at 7:00 a.m. following a successful surgery. She was taken from the lobby to a vehicle in a wheelchair and departed. Malouf stated that he did not have any contact with Roque and only became aware of her disappearance on the same day.
The Public Ministry reported that on October 19, measures were taken to freeze the bank accounts associated with the doctor and Malouf, who is currently in custody. CBS News has confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
Roque has not been seen since she disappeared.
Stuck in the middle of two different worlds.
Roque’s kids informed CBS News that they have not been given a death certificate from either American or Guatemalan officials, and they still do not have their mother’s remains. Despite over six months passing since Roque’s disappearance, her apartment is untouched and the family has not been able to legally declare her as deceased.
If Roque remains missing, it may take several months or years for his family to obtain a death certificate. This puts the family in a challenging position, according to Renée Williams, Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, as the absence of a body could indicate a potential disappearance. Williams also mentioned concerns about insurance fraud and the courts’ desire to ensure that the missing person will not return.
In the case of Roque, it has not been proven by prosecutors that a crime has been committed.
According to Williams, determining the death of a person without a physical body, especially when the crime occurs in another country, is a complicated procedure.
Courtesy Roque Family
According to Williams, those who have been affected by crime or their loved ones should promptly seek assistance from a support group for victims. Advocates are able to offer support and guidance to families in finding closure, which can often be a challenging process.
Roque’s spouse, offspring, and siblings have journeyed to Guatemala to urge investigators in the investigation.
Jose Lopez, her son, stated that the situation has been challenging because the doctor has abundant resources and wealth.
The Roques’ attorney, Jonathan Villatoro, who is advising the family in Guatemala, stated that the proceedings of the case have been delayed as they are seeking a judge with significant influence to handle the type of crime being prosecuted. The Public Ministry revealed that the defense has requested a different judge.
Vida expressed feeling stuck between two different worlds, while her family anxiously awaits for answers and holds onto hope.
Cara Tabachnick
Source: cbsnews.com