Dominic Serna Jr. Last Seen On February 9th
Say what you will about the boxing community but when there is an emergency, we all come together in immediate support.
I’m helping to spread the word about a missing teen last seen on Monday, February 9 in Indio, California (near Palm Springs). Dominic Serna Jr. (known as “Lil D”) is 16 years old and was walking with his brother Sam to Amistad High School in Indio (Coachella Valley). He is well known in amateur boxing circles as he has been competing in many competitions since he was a youth. I’ve known the Serna family for years as father Dominic Serna is a ringside photographer at pro fights. Dominic Sr. and his wife Michelle are also USA Boxing officials and often volunteer their time at local amateur boxing shows. Sons Dominic Jr. and Blane, 12, have been amateur fighters since they were young.
Lil D and his family originally moved to Southern California from Arizona and began training with former pro champ Antonio “Toño” Diaz (brother of trainer Joel Diaz and ex-champ Julio “The Kidd” Diaz). Dominic Jr., a decorated amateur star, stands at 5’9″ and is 136 pounds. PLEASE CALL INDIO POLICE DEPARTMENT at 760-391-4057 if you have seen him or have any additional info that may help his parents reunite with their beloved son.
Lil D is one of ten children in the Serna family; his brothers and sisters are all desperately looking for him. Serna Jr. is the oldest of the tribe and as you can imagine, the whole family is devastated. The teenager hails from a very close-knit bunch. Besides Lil D, 16, there are siblings Sam (15 years old), Lexi (14 years old), Blane (12 years old), Bryanna (11 years old), Sadie, (8 years old), Sally (7 years old), AJ (4 years old), Heaven (2 years old), and David, just 3 months old. I see the Serna team at various fights and I’ve watched the kids grow up.
“It’s a nightmare,” his heartbroken mom, Michelle, tells me. “He was last seen with Sam (his brother) walking to school. He told Sam he was going to be with his girlfriend but he would be back by lunch time. His phone has been off since the day he left.”
His mysterious disappearance has shocked and worried everyone in the fight community. And while helping to get the word out, many people have asked me the following questions:
-Why haven’t authorities been notified as it’s been over three weeks since he was last seen?
-Has his girlfriend seen him since he’s gone missing?
-Why doesn’t Dominic have his cell phone with him?
His father sheds more light on this dire situation. In a message reaching out to everyone, Serna Sr. says:
Dear family and friends,
As I write this with a heavy heart I would like to clarify a few things. Yesterday we released a flyer of Dominic missing. Yes, this is true. I had originally thought he had run away and blamed his girlfriend because the morning of Feb 9th Dominic and my second oldest son Sam walked to school and Dominic mentioned he was going to miss school to see his girlfriend but would be back before school was out. His girlfriend claims to never have seen him and Dominic never made it back to school. Initially I was angry at his girlfriend and her family but till this day they continue to state they have no idea where Dominic is. So as of yesterday the case has been changed from a “runaway” to a missing person so authorities can do a more active investigation as to his whereabouts. Since Dominic has disappeared on the 9th his phone has been disconnected he hasn’t contacted any of his siblings through social media. This is unlike Dominic to not at least call his mother and say “Hey Mom, I’m ok don’t worry” so we ask please if you have any information as to his whereabouts or seen him–please contact Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057.
I contacted the Sernas this morning (Wednesday, March 4) to see if there were any new updates about Dominic Jr.’s disappearance. This is an urgent situation no one would ever wish on anyone and my heart goes out to them. While there are no new leads with the authorities, his family remains hopeful that Lil D will come home soon. Family and friends have shown a huge wave of support in blasting out the flier through social media and in the community too.
Please keep the Sernas in your thoughts and prayers until Lil D is found safe and sound.
WE ARE ALL IN YOUR CORNER!
Photos courtesy of Michele Chong and the Serna family
Why hasn’t there been any updates ?
does anybody knows more info. on these missing boy. im looking for any news on these situation please help
I here you Dale, something justbisnt right? I’m no detective , but it wasn’t hard to find any of this info! Why isn’t Indio PD all over this or even the family? Either way I hope this comes to.an end soon and hope all is well . In my prayers Serna Family
Hey I googled the situation and some guy on twitter says that Dominic is in hiding ? Why? Was he found ? Dudes twitter is @alberto48cmt, has anybody else heard this or is he just playing a bad joke? This kid says he’s friends with Dominic Serna ? Fishy situation
So sorry to hear about ur son. I hope he is ok & home safe soon. I so know wat ur going thru, because I went thru this with one of my daughters. I will keep ur family in my prayers. My God keep him safe where ever he is.
my prayers to the family and I wondering where is he? if he’s doing ok hopefully he comes back soon to his family keep praying for him
and wondering what happen?
This is such a tragedy! My prayers goiing out to the Serna family and for lil D’s safe return. God be with him and the family.
Tragedy….
My prayers and God’s Blessing to the Serna family.
You are in my thoughts…
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