Student Vanishes Without a Clue

PLACENTIA — Police and family members are searching for a 20-year-old dean’s list student at Cal State Fullerton who has been missing for nearly a week.

Cathy Torrez finished her shift at Sav-On Drugs in the 100 block of East Yorba Linda Boulevard at 8 p.m. Saturday, said goodby to co-workers and has not been seen since, police said Thursday.

“None of what we can actually confirm is good,” Sgt. David M. Taylor said.

Torrez’s purse, clothing, jewelry, makeup and belongings are all at the house she shared with her family, along with several un-cashed paychecks, police said. There has been no activity on her bank account since her disappearance, and Torrez’s friends have not been contacted.

Her car, a 1990 burgundy Toyota Corolla, license plate 2RMC 785, also has not been seen.

“We don’t have any sign of anything really good here,” Taylor said. “We’re into five days now. I’d be very glad to know that she’s not injured or dead.”

Torrez’s mother, Mary Bennett, 45, said: “It’s been very devastating for all of us, something I wouldn’t wish on anybody. It’s a nightmare in itself. There’s no day or night. We’re all in limbo. The whole family is upset, nobody can make heads or tails of this. I can’t think straight any more. . . .”

In addition to her job at Sav-On, Torrez worked as a bilingual aide at two Placentia public schools to help pay for college. She was an honors graduate from Valencia High School.

Torrez has dark brown hair and is 4 feet, 10 inches tall.