Little Nori Mays was just four years old when her mother requested her to wake up her stepsister, Celina, for breakfast. Upon entering Celina’s room, Nori discovered the bed neatly made with pillows strategically placed under a sheet to give the illusion of someone sleeping. Celina, who was 12 years old and nine months pregnant at the time, had mysteriously disappeared overnight.
Despite nearly three decades passing with no sign of Celina or her unborn child, Nori, now 33, remains unwavering in her quest to locate her missing sister. Prior to her disappearance on December 16, 1996, Celina’s father, Crezonzo ‘C.J’ Mays, reportedly urged her to disclose the identity of the father of her imminent baby, but she adamantly refused.
The circumstances surrounding Celina’s pregnancy, at just 11 years old, remain a mystery, with conflicting reports about the alleged father’s age and unknown details about the baby’s fate. Nori, on what would have been Celina’s 40th birthday, engaged with The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to shed light on the unresolved case, emphasizing the emotional toll on their family.
Various theories have emerged over the years, including speculations about Celina running away before a paternity test could be conducted and suspicions of potential abduction. Concerns were also raised about the family dynamics within the Gospel of Christ Ministries where Celina resided, suggesting a controlled environment that prompted questions about the father of her child.
Nori described the church as operating like a cult under her aunt’s influence, leading to allegations of manipulation and brainwashing. Despite strained relations with law enforcement during the initial investigation, Nori advocates for a thorough examination of the case and hopes for closure regarding Celina’s whereabouts.
As the investigation into Celina’s disappearance remains active, Detective Monica Pogorzelski of the Willingboro Police Department expressed optimism about finding answers after 27 years, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to uncover the truth for Celina’s family.