Authorities in Los Angeles County are urgently searching for two 9-year-old children who were allegedly abducted by their father late Thursday evening, prompting a public appeal for help as concerns grow for their safety.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that Solomon and Marozhina Sukonick were last seen around 8 p.m. near the 1000 block of West Avenue J-8 in Lancaster, a city in the Antelope Valley approximately 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Investigators believe their father, 71-year-old David Sukonick, took them under circumstances that have raised concern for the children's well-being, according to a department news release.
The siblings, both 9 years old, are described as white, standing 4 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 90 pounds. Marozhina has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing pink shorts and a white shirt. Solomon also has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue shorts and a shirt of unknown color. The children are believed to be traveling in a black 2011 Lincoln Town Car with a distinctive California vanity license plate reading SOLOYST. The model, no longer in production, may be easier for the public to identify.
David Sukonick is described as a 71-year-old white man, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing about 135 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. His age — significantly older than typical parents of 9-year-olds — has drawn attention as the search continues. According to the New York Post, Sukonick shared a photo of the children on Facebook on July 13, days before the alleged abduction. One commenter on that post questioned whether the children were okay, writing that they looked «miserable.» The sheriff's department has not released details about the family's living arrangements or a possible motive for the abduction, nor have they indicated any prior history of such incidents. The comment on the social media post has added to the urgency, though investigators have not confirmed any neglect or mistreatment.
The sheriff's department stated there is «concern for their well-being» and urged anyone with information to come forward. The search for the children and their father is ongoing, with law enforcement checking leads and asking the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle. As of Saturday, no sightings have been publicly confirmed, and authorities have not issued an Amber Alert, though the case is being treated as a high-priority missing persons investigation. The department has been active on social media, sharing the description and asking the community to spread the word. The sheriff's department has not specified whether an Amber Alert would be issued, but noted that the investigation is being given high priority.
Lancaster is a community in northern Los Angeles County with a population of about 173,000 residents. The area near West Avenue J-8 is a mix of residential and commercial properties, and deputies have been canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage and witnesses. The sheriff's department is also coordinating with other law enforcement agencies in California and neighboring states in case the father has attempted to flee the area. The California Highway Patrol has been alerted to be on the lookout for the vehicle, and the search involves multiple LASD units as well as support from the state's Missing Persons Unit.
Anyone with information about the location of the children or David Sukonick is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 661-940-3855. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS, using the P3 Tips mobile app, or through the organization's online portal. The department emphasized that the public should not approach the father but should report any sightings immediately.
