South Florida

Missing Girl's Dad Hospitalized After Stabbing Self: MDPD

The father of a South Florida girl, who went missing along with her mother, was hospitalized after police said he stabbed himself with a knife.

Miami-Dade Police said Gustavo Castano was taken to Kendall Regional Trauma Center with self-inflicted wounds Friday. He was listed in stable condition.

Castano is the father of 8-year-old Daniela Moreno, who along with mother Liliana Moreno was reported missing earlier this week. Police said they suspect foul play in the disappearance of the 43-year-old mother from Doral and her daughter.

Miami-Dade Police have been working with Doral detectives around the clock to find Moreno and her daughter. Family members said they vanished from their apartment, leaving behind Moreno's car, keys and purse.

"Everyone's nervous, hoping for the best, hoping to hear something soon. Everyone is heartbroken," said Xiomara Valentin, cousin.

Authorities said they gathered information that led them to believe that Castano may be planning to harm himself, and a countywide "be on the lookout" was issued.

Castano was found in a rental truck in the area of Northwest 138th Street and Okeechobee Road. He was threatening to harm himself with a knife, police said.

Detectives were able to get him out of the truck but he sustained self-inflicted wounds, police said. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation.

Family members said Daniela's father has not been involved in her life, and had only recently reconnected.

Meanwhile, police said they're following all leads and are using all necessary resources to find Moreno and her daughter.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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