Alequin decided to submit her DNA to an ancestry site for fun in 2020. Her results showed a 22 percent DNA match with a man on the East Coast.
She was unable to get in contact with him, but the mysterious match made her think of her missing uncle.
She took her DNA results and a photo of Albino and his older brother to the Oakland police, who reopened the investigation.
On June 20, 2024, investigators announced that Albino was alive. Four days later, 79-year-old Albino arrived in Oakland to reunite with his biological family.
He shared a long hug with his brother Roger and told his loved ones about his life. He is a retired firefighter, a Marine Corps veteran who fought in Vietnam, and a grandfather. Less than two months later, Roger passed away.
“I think he died happily,” said Alequin. “He was at peace with himself, knowing that his brother was found. I was just so happy I was able to do this for him and bring him closure and peace.”
