Rochester Police Search for Two Missing Children
Authorities are searching for Mateo and Avaya Paul after they were last seen with their mother, Jessenya Rodriguez-Rivera.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Child Care
The Rochester Police Department is actively searching for seven-year-old Mateo Paul and five-year-old Avaya Paul. The children were last seen in the company of their mother, Jessenya Rodriguez-Rivera, who does not have custody.
Why it matters
The search is ongoing as authorities work to locate the children to ensure their safety. Police are asking the public for any information that may lead to the group being found.
Mateo Paul is 4 feet tall and 65 pounds, while Avaya Paul is 3 feet tall and 50 pounds. Jessenya Rodriguez-Rivera is described as 5-foot-4 and 190 pounds, with all three individuals having black hair and brown eyes.
The players
Rochester Police Department
This local agency serves as the primary law enforcement body responsible for public safety and investigation within Rochester, New York.
Jessenya Rodriguez-Rivera
She is the 30-year-old biological mother of the two children who are currently the subject of a missing persons investigation.
Mateo Paul
He is a seven-year-old boy who has been reported missing by local authorities.
Avaya Paul
She is a five-year-old girl who is currently being sought by the police.
The details
The children were last seen on October 23 with Rodriguez-Rivera, who is their biological mother. Officials have publicized the physical descriptions of all three individuals to assist with the investigation.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The children were last seen with their mother.
Culture Shift
The search follows standard investigation patterns established by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's safety protocols for locating missing minors. This highlights the ongoing reliance on rapid public notification to ensure the safety of vulnerable youth.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the individuals to the Rochester Police Department. Sharing verified information helps law enforcement maintain a wider net in their search efforts.
The takeaway
Community awareness and the sharing of accurate physical descriptions are vital tools in police efforts to locate missing persons. Residents should contact law enforcement directly if they have information regarding the location of the individuals.
Further reading
For additional context on local youth safety resources, visit the Child Care section.
