SAN ANTONIO — Two years have passed since Lina Sardar Khil vanished from a northwest side apartment complex. Her parents, alongside community members, have not given up fighting for answers as law enforcement continues digging for leads.
Dozens of people gathered at the American Muslim Community Center Wednesday morning in support of Lina’s family as they wonder when the day will come when law enforcement reaches out with any sort of update on their daughter’s disappearance.
Pamela Allen, head of Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach, has helped Lina’s family navigate through the emotional trauma since the day she went missing from the Vive Apartments (formerly Villa del Cabo) at 9400 Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio.
“There’s a father whose heart longs to be filled with the laughter of his daughter,” Allen said. “This is not a Christian or a Muslim event, this a little girl who’s missing and we have to learn to support one another no matter what our differences are.”
But as another year passes, the pain surrounding Lina’s disappearance only swells as expressed by Lina’s father Riaz, with the translation assistance of family friend Lawang Mangal. Lina’s family is also frustrated about what they call an absence in communication with law enforcement.
“She (Lina’s mother) cannot tolerate any further sadness, she’s uncontrollable right now,” Mangal said. “They are not able to find a small baby. The question was, why are you people not giving me the answer of what is happening.”
In April, Riaz took a polygraph to clear his name so investigators could focus their attention on other potential suspects. Mangal said Riaz passed the lie-detector-test. Riaz said his wife intends to move back to Afghanistan for an undetermined amount of time to see her ailing mother.
Despite the lack of answers amid growing uncertainty whether Lina’s alive, family, friends and some in the community are keeping hope alive.
“Riaz, I look forward to the day, honey, that we get to celebrate when she comes home.”
The Islamic Center of San Antonio has increased its reward for information on finding Lina to $250,000.
Among others who expressed support for Lina's family included Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark and Texas State Rep. Josie Garcia.
SAPD emailed a statement: “After nearly two years investigating the disappearance of Lina Khil, the San Antonio Police Department remains committed to following-up on and investigating every lead that we receive. That lead detective continue to use all tools available, including working with our partners at the FBI to investigate all leads.”
Those with information that could help police find Lina Sardar Khil are urged to call SAPD at 210-207-7660.