State law enforcement still seeks public help to locate missing Sumter mother, son
Officials with Sumter Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI still seek the public’s help for information about a missing Sumter mother and her young son.
Sophia Van Dam and Matteo were last heard from in Beaufort, their former residence, before driving back to Sumter on June 24.
Theresa Van Dam, mother of Sophia, described her daughter as “a leader who loves to take charge of things and likes to make people laugh,” according to the agencies. Her grandson Matteo “is full of energy, fun, into everything and loves to be outside,” she said.
“He just always had a spark in his eye,” she said, later adding that she misses watching him grow. “There’s an empty hole there.”
Sophia’s 21st birthday is Oct. 21. The traditional dinner plans with family and friends or toast to welcome in the special day are not set to happen this year. The family’s only hope is that wherever the mother and son may be, there will be a cake and candles close by so the two may celebrate together.
“We love her and Matteo very much, and we’re waiting to celebrate her birthday in style when she comes home,” Van Dam said.
Investigators hope this milestone birthday will encourage anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward.
“I still have hope,” Van Dam said. “I want them found. I want my family brought back to me.”
Tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at P3tips.com or by using the P3tips app for mobile devices. Tips may also be submitted to SLED online at tips@sled.sc.gov.