PORTLAND, Maine — The mother of a toddler whose disappearance prompted the biggest criminal investigation in Maine history is suing the child's father in hopes of unearthing more details.
The announcement Monday came on the seventh anniversary of the date 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds was reported missing by her father in Waterville.
Her father told police he tucked Ayla in the night before she disappeared and believes she was abducted.
"So, today marks seven years since Ayla was taken from me. said Ayla's mother, Trista Reynolds. "Not a day goes by where I’m not haunted by what happened to Ayla."
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Reynolds has blamed the father, Justin DiPietro, for the toddler's death. But the body has never been found, and no charges have been filed.
"For seven years I have asked myself who would want to hurt such an innocent little girl that was filled with so much spunk," said Reynolds.
Reynolds and her attorney announced details of a lawsuit alleging that DiPietro caused Ayla's death. They hope depositions will help solve the case.
"And my final question that I ask every day is, 'Did Ayla cry out for me? Did she wonder where I was knowing I should've been there to protect her and save her? Or was she that strong girl and wondered why her daddy was doing this to her?'" said Reynolds.
However, efforts to reach DiPietro for comment were unsuccessful. While police have never made an arrest, Reynolds filed a wrongful death lawsuit against DiPietro, even though she has no idea where he lives now.
"In the last seven years, I have fought to get Ayla closure," said Reynolds. "And maybe this is and maybe I finally get to lay her to rest."
State police have long believed the girl is dead, and a judge declared her legally dead in 2017. But the investigation remains open.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
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