LaToyia Figueroa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
 |
This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses. |
LaToyia Figueroa (born January 26, 1981- August 2005, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an African-American woman partly of Hispanic descent who was reported missing on July 18, 2005. Figueroa, who was five months pregnant at the time of disappearance, was reported missing after she failed to show up to work.
Police discovered the remains of a missing pregnant woman and quickly arrested the father of her unborn child, Stephen Poaches, on August 20, more than a month after she was reported missing. The remains were found in a grassy, partially wooded lot in Chester, Pennsylvania, located 13 miles south of Philadelphia.
The disappearance of Figueroa sparked controversy about media coverage because cable news channels, such as CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel, were seen to neglect covering her story in favor of Natalee Holloway, a Caucasian teen missing on the island of Aruba. Some observers protested that Figueroa's case was similar to the case of Laci Peterson and thus deserved greater attention, implying that race was a factor in the lack of coverage.
Contents |
Public reaction
Media critics claim that major news outlets are guilty of ignoring Figueroa and other missing persons cases in favor of cases involving attractive young white women. Most media outlets in Philadelphia have been helping the family of Figueroa, and Internet bloggers have pressured cable news networks to give the same amount of coverage the media would give to Natalee Holloway and Jennifer Wilbanks. Internet bloggers have waged a campaign for over 10 days to get the major media to show more support for Figueroa and many others. They succeeded in gaining attention to Figueroa's disappearance from CNN, MSNBC, and recently Fox News Channel. Many charities are offering a reward for the safe return of Figueroa offered US$10,000 for her. While incarcerated in prison, rapper Beanie Sigel offered US$100,000 of his own earnings to help the family.
Details of the case
The situation that led to Figueroa's disappearance follow a strange similarity to Laci Peterson, who was found dead and whose husband, Scott was found guilty of her murder. The case was covered heavily throughout 2004 and led to public consensus that Scott Peterson was guilty of the murder.
Figueroa's disappearance has led to suspicion of her boyfriend, Stephen Poaches, who was last seen with her. According to friends of Figueroa, she has been involved in robbery and assault with Poaches' other girlfriend. Police had questioned Poaches, searched his home and impounded his vehicle. At a point before the discovery, Poaches was not a suspect although he's been cooperating with authorities in aiding in information. Poaches refuse to be a part in the active search for Figueroa. Some family members believe that Poaches was allegedly seeing another woman at the time of Figueroa's disappearance, which was a factor in the Laci Peterson case.
On August 20, 2005, police announced the discovery of a body presumed to be that of LaToyia Figueroa and the arrest of former boyfriend Poaches. At the time of arrest, Poaches was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a pistol. [1]
The support of family and friends
Figueroa's family stated that her disappearance only bring more tragedy to an already troubled search. Figueroa's mother, Ann Taylor, was gunned down when LaToyia was a toddler. Figueroa has a 7-year old daughter and was expected to have her second child. Friends believe that Figueroa would never leave her child behind and believe there is foul play.
The family and workers at the restaurant where Figueroa works are offering their support. Joseph Taylor, an uncle to Figueroa and spokesman of the family, has been actively criticizing media and offering hope that his niece would be returned safe and sound. America's Most Wanted, the Philadelphia Citizen Crime Commission, have teamed up with the police in helping her family find her. Active Philadelphia blogger Richard Blair has hoped the media would treat this situation similar to the other pretty missing women. But so far, only one week of news coverage was devoted to Figueroa.
Missing pretty girl syndrome
The disappearance of Figueroa has spawned controversy about the media coverage of missing people and how cases get national attention. What was considered a common phenomenon in news media has become clear. The "Missing pretty girl syndrome", as coined by conservative pundit Michelle Malkin, has drawn attention to the neglect of missing non-white people. Journalist Gwen Ifill also describes this phenomenon as "Missing White Women Syndrome". The situation is forcing a vast majority of news purveyors to address the situation.
Description of Figueroa
- Height: 5'2" to 5'4"
- Weight: 132 lbs.
- Complexion: Light (Black)
- Other Features: Tattoo ("ANGEL" on right wrist, and "IZHANAE" on left arm)
