Missing Since: May 7, 2000 from Pomona, California
Classification: Endangered Missing
Age: 3 years old
Distinguishing Characteristics: African-American female. Brown hair, brown eyes.
Details of Disappearance
Alicia was last seen in Pomona, California on May 7, 2000. Her mother, Simona Denise Demery, stated she took her two children to Ganesha Park and Alicia wandered away at 12:45 p.m., while Demery was reading on a park bench. However, Alicia's twin sister, Ebony, stated her mother "took Sissy and wrapped Sissy in a jacket and put her in the drain."
Demery and her live-in boyfriend, Jeffery Jones, were charged with endangering Alicia and Ebony after Alicia disappeared; authorities stated conditions in their home were "appalling." The apartment was filthy and had exposed electrical wires, animal feces on the floor, and marijuana near where the children slept. There was no potable water, and only half a jar of peanut butter for food. Demery gave birth to another child while incarcerated on the endangerment charge and the infant was taken from her custody immediately after birth.
Shortly after being charged with child endangerment, Demery and Jones were also charged with second-degree murder, corporal injury to a child, felony child abuse and conspiracy in connection with Alicia's disappearance. Authorities conducted numerous searches for her body, but turned up no evidence. In July 2001, Demery and Jones were both convicted of all charges. They were sentenced to 33 years to life in prison each. Both defendants appealed their convictions, but the appeals were denied in 2002. Alicia's remains have never been located, but foul play is suspected in her case due to the circumstances involved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Pomona Police Department
