Community Gathers For Madalina Cojocari’s 13th Birthday

CORNELIUS – Neighbors, friends, and community members all still have one question; where is Madalina Cojocari?

It has been 507 days since Madalina Cojocari was last seen getting off her school bus in Cornelius.  

Thursday marks the missing girl’s 13th birthday.

“It’s a milestone birthday just like it would be with any of us, said Major Jennifer Thompson, “So her birthday has always been special to us But we really wanted to make sure that we honored her again on such a big day for her.” 

Cornelius police placed a birthday box in their lobby for people to drop off cards for Madalina. 

Those cards were read at the vigil.

“Every young lady deserves to feel like a princess on her birthday, especially a beautiful, sweet and strong girl like you,” read one of the cards.

Madalina was last seen on November 21st of 2022.

Jasmine Stewart talked with WCCB’s Emma Mondo on Thursday. She was also at the last vigil for Madalina on the anniversary of her disappearance.

“As the mother of a child very close to Madalina‘s age, I just feel like it’s really important for her to know there’s some people that care about her in her community, especially on her birthday.”

Her mother, Diana Cojocari and her stepfather, Christopher Palmiter were arrested for failing to report Madalina missing. Palmiter has since posted bond. WCCB went knock on Palmiter’s front door today, but no one answered.

WCCB asked people at the vigil if they think Palmiter should be there, too.

“I really hope and pray I don’t see him,” said Stewart. “I just feel like it would be inappropriate, especially since Madalina is not here so why should he be here?”

Christopher Palmiter did not show up to tonight’s vigil.