Police search for woman who disappeared just before restraining order hearing

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are searching for a woman who did not show up for a restraining order hearing against her husband.

Police said they received a call from Josephine Frenna's 14-year-old son Thursday night. The young boy said Thursday morning was the last time he saw his mother.

Authorities said many of Frenna's personal items were left inside the apartment, and the last place she was seen was at her apartment complex. Crime Scene Investigators found her keys, wallet and purse inside her home.

Frenna's family said it is unlike her to not show up at home or to court. Frenna's sister, Rosa Frenna, cried and was distraught over the disappearance of the 54-year-old. "She's an angel she's a good person to everybody. Even with the hospital she was very good," said Rosa.

Authorities said the reason why her disappearance is suspicious is because she had a domestic violence injunction against her husband, Gerard Demarco. Authorities are not saying the husband is connected to the disappearance, and he is cooperating fully with police.

Family members said Frenna and her son were afraid for their lives. At one point Demarco axed a door to her apartment trying to get in. It is also reported that her husband threatened to throw her off the balcony of their eighth story condo.

Although Frenna was missing this morning, her attorney proceeded with the court hearing. "We spoke with her Wednesday morning," Caryn Carvos said outside the courthouse. "She was fine. She knew she had some things to do to get our office some documents, and she was obviously concerned for safety factors, and that's why we're here today."

Frenna's family and friends are calling the disappearance unusual, and ask the public for their help. "She's a mother, she's a daughter, she's a sister, she's an aunt, she's a friend. Yesterday she didn't show up at her apartment," Steve Stabile said. "She dropped her son off at the bus stop at 8 a.m. in front of the building and she went back into her apartment. At some point she left her apartment and then her whereabouts are unknown."

Police are not calling this case a crime. For now they are calling it "suspicious." Authorities are asking for the public's help to identify and locate the missing woman. If you have any information on Frenna's whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

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