In a turn of events, a missing Utah teenager and her two cousins have been found safe in Mexico, nearly two weeks after their disappearance, according to the FBI. Elizabeth Gonzalez, 14, and her cousins Sofia Mailen Moreno Zamora, 6, and Regina Moreno Zamora, 4, vanished on June 30 while Elizabeth was visiting family in Mexico City.

The Mexican authorities located the three girls in Veracruz, shortly after the FBI identified 31-year-old Antonio Moreno as a suspect in their disappearance. Antonio, who is the biological father of Sofia and Regina, allegedly took them and Elizabeth without their mothers' permission.

Surveillance footage shows Gonzalez and her cousins, who are Mexican nationals, entering a taxi with Moreno. It is believed that Gonzalez was manipulated by Moreno to get into the vehicle, and the four of them were thought to be traveling together.

On July 1, an Amber Alert was activated by Mexican authorities for the three girls. The FBI subsequently issued a federal arrest warrant for Moreno, charging him with kidnapping in connection with Elizabeth's disappearance. The United States is seeking Moreno's extradition.

According to the FBI, Moreno had been residing in Kaysville, Utah, for the past three years. However, he abruptly traveled to Mexico and allegedly took the girls with him.

The arrest of Moreno in Veracruz led to the safe recovery of Elizabeth Gonzalez and her cousins. The FBI's efforts in collaboration with Mexican authorities played a crucial role in bringing about this positive outcome. While the girls are now safe, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance is ongoing.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and ensuring the safety and well-being of children, both in domestic and international settings. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

The families of Elizabeth Gonzalez, Sofia Mailen Moreno Zamora, and Regina Moreno Zamora can now breathe a sigh of relief as their loved ones have been found unharmed.