GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – Floridalma Roque, a U.S. citizen, traveled to the Perfektima clinic in Guatemala City for a scheduled plastic surgery on June 13. The next day, she disappeared without a trace, leaving her family desperate for answers as they navigate the complexities of two criminal justice systems and a frustrating criminal investigation.
The family’s distress grew when it became apparent that Roque had vanished after her surgery. Her daughter, Vida Roque, spoke to her stepfather, Jeremias, who tearfully revealed that Floridalma had not returned home from the clinic. This was especially troubling as Roque, who resided in New York, had previously undergone a successful procedure at the same Guatemalan clinic and was only there to receive liposuction on her back and arms.
Conflicting stories arose when surveillance video from the clinic showed a woman being escorted out, allegedly Roque, who had, according to the clinic’s staff and surgeon, left with an Uber. However, Roque’s family found inconsistencies in the details provided and questioned the validity of the clinic’s responses.
In the following weeks, the family’s attempts to seek assistance from law enforcement and embassies have been met with limited success. American authorities have stated that they are aware of the situation and are working closely with local authorities, while the FBI has indicated that they can only extend “strong suggestions” to the ongoing investigation due to jurisdictional constraints.
Months after her disappearance, Guatemalan police arrested the doctor and several clinic staff, alleging links to Roque’s disappearance and charging them with kidnapping and obstruction of criminal action. However, despite these developments, Roque’s family remains in desperate limbo, as there has been no sign of Floridalma since her disappearance.
The legal process in this case has become even more complex. The family has not been able to obtain a death certificate, as the lack of a body makes it difficult for the legal system to confirm whether a crime has been committed. Furthermore, their appeals for assistance from American authorities have resulted in limited avenues for progress, leaving them caught between U.S. and Guatemalan legal systems.
As investigations continue and the legal complexities persist, Roque’s family remains determined to find answers and bring their loved one home. The search for Floridalma Roque continues, with the hope of uncovering the truth behind her mysterious disappearance.