Hemet Teen T'Neya Tovar Case: Suspect Arraigned in Imperial County, Mother Speaks Out

New developments in the case of 17-year-old T'Neya Tovar, the Hemet teen who was reported missing on December 1, as the man accused in her death appeared in court today.

According to court officials, 51-year-old Abraham Feinbloom was arraigned Wednesday at the Imperial County Superior Court. He previously was arrested on February 13 at his home in Imperial County on suspicion of murder and resisting a police officer.

During Wednesday’s arraignment, Feinbloom pleaded not guilty. Court records show Feinbloom previously faced felony kidnapping charges that were later dismissed in 2019. He was also arrested in 2016 in Imperial County on suspicion of lewd acts upon a child.

We reached out to the Imperial County District Attorney's Office, which confirmed he is charged with one count of murder with a firearm enhancement. His next court date is scheduled for February 23 for a preliminary hearing.

T’Neya Tovar was officially reported missing on December 1 after her mother, Charro Tovar, says the teen stopped answering calls and turned off her phone’s location.

Authorities searched the residence where T’Neya was last seen multiple times - located on Harlequin Court in Salton City.

In the weeks that followed, the Imperial County Sheriff's Department discovered some of T’Neya’s human remains less than a mile from that home.

Charro Tovar says the months since her daughter’s disappearance have been a nightmare. She says navigating multiple jurisdictions throughout the region made the process even more difficult.

Despite her frustration, Charro says she found strong support from the community. Nearby residents told NBC Palm Springs they shared photos, videos and any information they gathered in hopes of helping investigators.

The FBI is urging anyone with information about the case to contact authorities.

Meanwhile, Charro Tovar says she is planning a vigil in the coming days in Salton City to honor her daughter’s life and legacy.