Police searching for missing Huron substitute teacher. ‘It’s pure agony,’ sister says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Family reports substitute teacher Francisco Madera missing since Dec. 13; searches continue.
- CHP located Madera’s 2008 Honda Civic near state aqueduct; MCU opened probe.
- Family describes Madera as generous community helper and urges public tips.
The family of 34-year-old Francisco Madera, who has been missing for a week, described him as a generous person who helps others in the community.
“It’s pure agony. He’s a family man, so this is completely out of the normal,” said Madera’s sister, Cecilia Madera. “We are very much hopeful to find him.”
As of Friday, Dec. 19, Madera had not been located, said the California Highway Patrol.
The substitute teacher from Huron, was last seen around 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in Kings County in Armona.
A body located in Corcoran, in Kings County, earlier this week is not related to the case, said the CHP detective José Cabrera.
Madera’s family said Sunday is his 35th birthday. He’s the oldest of four siblings.
Cecilia Madera said the family knew something was off when he didn’t return home and did not answer his phone or call back.
Madera is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing around 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, a gold cross chain, dark jeans, and a red Ariat jacket with the Mexican flag on the back, along with Ariat boots.
Madera’s family filed a missing person report with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 14.
According to the CHP, Madera’s vehicle, a four-door 2008 Honda Civic, was located on Dec. 15, two days after he went missing.
The CHP’s Central Division, Major Crimes Unit (MCU) is also conducting its own investigation since Madera’s vehicle was located near state property.
Family members say Madera’s vehicle was located off the Hwy. 198 by the state’s aqueduct in the orchards.
The family organized a search earlier in the week in the Huron area with community members looking for Madera hoping to locate him.
“A lot of people have gone out of their way to do a search as well, that they continue searching as well,” Cecilia Madera said Friday morning. “They all showed up for us, and we are really grateful.”
Cecilia Mader said her brother was generous and would “buy groceries for community members in our town.”
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information on Francisco Madera’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Kings County Sheriff Office, CHP detective J. Cabrera at 559-262-0400, or family at (559) 401-9666.
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM.
