# Search for missing child in Paraguayan Chaco

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/search-for-missing-child-in-paraguayan-chaco
> Updated: 2026-10-08T22:12:24.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Search operations have intensified in the Chaco region of Paraguay to locate Khael Valdez, a 3-year-old boy who has been missing since October 2. The child was last seen near a poultry house at the Estancia 6 de Octubre in the Presidente Hayes/Boquerón area. The search involves specialized Search and Rescue teams from the Paraguayan Air Force, the Naval Prefecture, and ground personnel, utilizing aircraft, helicopters, and drones equipped with thermal imaging. Notably, the dog accompanying the child, Layla, returned to the ranch on her own.

Investigators are exploring several leads, including the possibility of an encounter with wildlife; authorities have requested verification of a nearby water hole due to reports of yacarés (caimans) in the area. While a man, Walter Correa Pesoa, was detained for questioning, he has denied involvement, and prosecutors noted there is currently no concrete suspicion against him.

Recent developments include a social media video appearing to show a child resembling Khael at a bus terminal in Vallemí, though the boy's mother confirmed the child in the footage is not her son. In Filadelfia, police detained a 41-year-old man after finding items such as children's footwear, diapers, and toys; his computer and phone have been seized for evidence, though the mother identified the footwear as not belonging to her son. Additionally, the boy's mother has been detained and charged with violation of the duty of care, as the child was under her responsibility at the time of his disappearance.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Paraguay authorities continue search for missing 3-year-old Khael Valdez

The search for missing 3-year-old Khael Valdez continues in Paraguay after a social media video of a similar child was debunked by his mother. His mother has been detained on charges of neglect.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-authorities-continue-search-for-missing-3-year-old-khael-valdez

### 2026-10-05: Search intensifies for missing 3-year-old in Paraguayan Chaco

Authorities in Paraguay have launched an intensive search involving aircraft and thermal drones for 3-year-old Khael Valdéz, who disappeared from a Chaco ranch last Friday.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/search-intensifies-for-missing-3-year-old-in-paraguayan-chaco

### 2026-10-03: Paraguay launches search for missing 3-year-old in Chaco

Paraguayan authorities have launched a massive air and ground search for 3-year-old Kael Valdés, who disappeared from a ranch in Presidente Hayes, Chaco.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/presidente-hayes-search-operation-launched-for-missing-3-year-old

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Cite as: Search for missing child in Paraguayan Chaco. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/search-for-missing-child-in-paraguayan-chaco