This week’s Missing in Houston highlights the tireless advocacy of Paul Vasquez, who dedicated himself to finding his missing nephew, Alexander “AJ” Silva, before his own untimely passing last Thanksgiving.
AJ, who disappeared on April 16, 2021, was last seen near a warehouse on Lumberdale Road in northwest Houston. AJ was wearing an ankle monitor at the time, and records show it pinged at the warehouse location for 41 hours before it stopped transmitting.
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“The ankle monitor logs show he was at that warehouse for 41 hours, and there were signs it was tampered with. That’s foul play. How could no one act on that? It’s heartbreaking,” AJ’s mother, Conception Moreno shared.
Court records reveal AJ was on house arrest at the time of his disappearance due to a retaliation charge and was ordered to wear an ankle monitor. Data from the device shows it was tampered with before it stopped transmitting. An eyewitness later reported seeing someone matching AJ’s description being pursued and fatally attacked near the warehouse.
Despite this information, AJ’s mother says law enforcement has been dismissive, initially treating the case as a runaway situation. “As a mother, I know he’s not here,” Moreno said. “AJ would have found a way to let me know he was okay.”
Paul, affectionately known as “Uncle Paul” on social media, channeled his grief into relentless advocacy. He created the TikTok page Justice for Lil AJ, where videos asking for information about AJ’s disappearance garnered widespread attention, including one clip with nearly a million views.
Paul personally canvassed neighborhoods, distributed flyers, and even drove over 800 miles from New Mexico to Houston in search of clues.
Moreno credits Paul’s determination and resourcefulness with uncovering significant details, including an eyewitness report of foul play.
Despite exhaustive searches, social media campaigns, and family-led investigations spearheaded by Paul, AJ’s case remains unresolved.
“Paul was the voice of our family when I couldn’t be,” said Moreno. “He made sure AJ’s story was heard because HPD wasn’t helping us. He fought for AJ and others like him.”
The lack of communication from AJ since his disappearance only deepens the family’s concerns.
“Even when AJ was struggling, he would still be active on social media or reach out to us. It’s completely out of character for him to just disappear like this,” Moreno said.
AJ’s family describes him as a vibrant and outgoing young man, someone who thrived on connection and spreading joy.
His mother shared, “He was a happy person. He loved to dance. I have so many videos of him just being the clown of the family. He was a social butterfly, always on social media, always connecting with people.”
As a mother, Moreno says her instincts tell her something is deeply wrong.
“As a mother, you know when something is wrong. I told him, ‘If you ever go somewhere and need to hide out, just call me private and let me know you’re okay.’ But he didn’t, and I know he would have if he could.”
Paul’s fight for AJ didn’t waver even as he faced his own health struggles. In November 2024, Paul tragically passed away following complications from gastric bypass surgery. His sister, Moreno, is now navigating the dual heartbreak of losing her brother while continuing to search for her son.
“Paul didn’t just fight for AJ; he fought for so many families who didn’t have a voice,” she said. “He was passionate, selfless, and always there to listen or help.”
While the search for AJ continues, Moreno says she draws strength from her late brother.
“Paul wanted to show the world that anyone can change if given the chance. He was so proud of his sobriety and fought to prove that AJ mattered, even when no one else seemed to believe it.”
Now, Moreno carries on their shared mission, holding onto hope despite the weight of her grief.
“I’m trying to stay strong—for my mom, for AJ, and for Paul. I can’t give up now. My brother wouldn’t, and I owe it to AJ to keep going.”
If you have any information about AJ Silva’s disappearance, contact the Houston Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at (832) 394-1840 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.
“AJ is still out there somewhere,” said Moreno. “We need answers, and we need help. Paul wouldn’t give up, and neither will I.”
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