Police suspect foul play in missing woman case

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) -- The search has intensified in a Pembroke Pines neighborhood, including a canal, after a popular South Florida real estate agent vanished without a trace.

"We found forensic evidence, and other types of evidence, that would lead us to believe that this is a possible homicide," said Pembroke Pines Police Captain Dan Rakofsky.

Rakofsky held a news conference Tuesday afternoon regarding the disappearance of 43-year-old Natalie Belmonte. This comes a day after a dumpster was searched and several large garbage bags were removed. "The articles we located in the dumpster yesterday specifically point us to a theory of foul play in this case," said Rakofsky.

Police said the divorced mother of two was last seen Sunday morning, at about 2:30 a.m., when she returned home from a graduation party with her 21-year-old adopted son. According to authorities, Belmonte's son did not report her missing until late Sunday night. Police have spoken with him and called him cooperative.

Police are now taking a closer look at Belmonte's car, a 2007 red Lexus ES. Authorities said it is now a focal point in the investigation. Police are asking if anyone saw the car being driven in the Pembroke Pines area on Sunday morning between 5:15 a.m. and 6:45 a.m., to contact police. "We just know that that vehicle was seen out at that time, and we really need all the information that's forthcoming about it," said Pembroke Pines Police captain Dan Rakofsky.

Divers searched a canal located about a mile and a half from Belmonte's home. Florida Fish and Wildlife also sent out their dogs to help aid in the search. "We believe the circumstances were extremely suspicious and have been vigorously searching for her since the report of her disappearance, including putting divers in the waterways as well as aerial searches," said Rakofsky.

Belmonte is a local real estate agent and those who know her have lost hope for her return. "With all of the hopes that we had that Natalie might be coming back, now those kind of drift into, unfortunately, thinking that she may not come back," said Stuart Wishart.

Police said all of Belmonte's personal belongs, including her purse, wallet, identification and keys were found inside her Pembroke Pines home. Crime Scene Technicians remain at her home, where they continue their investigation. "We are meticulously searching the house for any evidence, any information which could lead us to the location of Ms. Belmonte," said Rakofsky.

Shelly Stuart said he has known Belmote her whole life. "I've known Natalie since before she was born. It's mind-boggling. You don't know what could've gone wrong. We just have to wait and see how it plays out," he said.

Rakofsky said authorities are interviewing relatives. He also said there are no persons of interest at this time.

Stuart said he has known Belmote her whole life. "I've known Natalie since before she was born. It's mind-boggling. You don't know what could've gone wrong. We just have to wait and see how it plays out," he said.

He also offered details into her relationship with her adopted son, who is also related by blood. "That is her father's brother's child. He died, and they brought him here, and she looked after him. She adopted him and brought him up," he explained. "It's more than sad, it's devastating to us all. It's somebody that I've known all my life, from a little child," Stuart said.

Belmonte was last seen wearing a strapless brown dress. If you have any information on Belmonte's whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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