20-December-2019 at approximately 1500 hours, the day was sunny, and the wind was blowing at 6-8 MPH, and the surf that day was 1 to 2 feet on the island of Hawaii (remember the weather, this will be important later), and little Benny Rapoza was seen in only a diaper with spaceships on it at home in his front yard on Kalanianaʻole Avenue. He’s 3 feet tall, 50 pounds, with short brown hair, brown eyes, and a fair complexion. He’s also been diagnosed with non-verbal autism.
Benny’s parents reported him missing and the Hawaii Police Department began searches. Air, dive, air, and the ground begin with the help of the Fire Department. After searching for 3 days, the dive search was discontinued. Then, on 24-December-2019 was the last day of the Arial search. Family, friends, and volunteers say that they will continue to search for Benny.
His mother was at work when she found out, she said that her heart sank and that her mind isn’t at ease, and all she wants is Benny home. She also said that since it was Benny’s birthday, everyone was busy doing something, and everyone was busy, everyone thought someone else was watching him. She isn’t giving up hope that he’s out there alive. She also mentioned that he’s walked away from home before but never “like this”.
Anyone with information on Benny’s whereabouts is urged to call the Hawaii Police Department at (808) 935-3311 or the Big Island Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. The information will also be in the show notes.
There also is a $5000 reward for any information that leads to the return of Benny. If you live in Hawaii, you may make donations at any Bank of Hawaii branch.
This is a hard case. There were no details to be found on exactly how Benny went missing. Only that he walked away, that he was seen in the front yard of the house, and that he’s done it before but never like this. I can only imagine what his parents are going through. I’d probably be going out of my mind. I keep both them and Benny in my prayers.
I don’t think this one can be solved, to be honest. I pray that someone saw something to lead authorities to him where he’s alive and safe. But seeing that the location where he was last seen, was a road…and on the other side of that road is the open ocean. Remember that weather report I told you to remember? With the surf of that day, there’s a good chance he fell in and got swept out to sea or a predator got to him. I hold out hope although, as with the rest of the island of Hawaii. Make sure to follow, I will update you if I get word if they find him.
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