The Palmdale community gathered in solidarity on Saturday, clinging to hope as they held a vigil for a missing baby, Baki Dewees. Born on April 14, Baki was last seen with his father, who is currently detained in Utah.
The baby’s grandmother reported his disappearance on May 3, prompting investigators to commence a search of the Antelope Valley Landfill on Tuesday. Although the search was halted the next day, the family’s determination to find Baki remains unwavering.
At the heart of Saturday’s vigil stood a table adorned with stuffed animals, prayer candles, flowers, and framed photos of young Baki. Amidst tearful voices, Soloi Paulo, the baby’s great-aunt, declared, “We are not giving up. Baki, we’re not giving up on you, baby.”
Sofia Paulo, Baki’s grandmother, expressed the family’s conviction that he is still alive, saying, “That’s what we believe. We truly believe that.”
The investigation took a grave turn earlier this week when authorities shifted their focus from a missing person search to a suspicious death inquiry. While details surrounding the landfill’s involvement remain undisclosed, Baki’s father, 24-year-old Yusuf Dewees, is identified as a suspect in the case.
Brad Parke, Baki’s grandfather, implored Yusuf Dewees to be forthcoming with information, stating, “I would like the father to be open and honest, and give the honest answer — tell the detectives actually what happened to the baby, where the baby is.”
Notably, Baki’s mother, already incarcerated on unrelated charges before his disappearance, is not considered a suspect.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Dewees remains detained in Utah for an unrelated matter, facing accusations of obstruction of justice. Sofia Paulo expressed her hope for truth, asserting, “I hope that he would tell the truth, because I feel like he’s just been giving us the runaround — and everyone else.”
