UPDATE: On July 18, 2022, the missing person, Genesi Elizabeth Sosa-Bonilla was located deceased near where she was last seen in the water.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office thanks all agencies and personnel involved in the search and recovery.
Original Release: On July 17, 2022, at 1:05 p.m. the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and various community members from the volunteer fire and rescue companies responded to Camp Merryelande located at 15914 Camp Merryelande Road in Piney Point, for the report of swimmers in distress.
Preliminary investigation indicates two 10-year-old juveniles, and an adult male were in the water when the current pulled them further out into the Potomac River. The adult made it to shore safely, and one of the two juveniles was rescued from the water by citizens nearby.
Today, the search continues for the second 10-year-old female, Genesi Elizabeth Sosa-Bonilla. Maryland State Police Trooper 7 helicopter, Charles County Fire Department Dive Team, along with United States Coast Guard helicopters, and drones from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, also responded to the scene and assisted in the search. Sheriff’s Office personnel and the Coast Guard remained on scene throughout the night and continued the search.
A unified command post has been established at the scene and the search for the missing child continues.
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
