The Disappearance of Sabrina Aisenberg: She Mysteriously Vanished From Her Crib in Tampa Florida



The disappearance of Sabrina Aisenberg remains one of the most perplexing cold cases in Hillsborough County.

On November 24, 1997, the five-month-old baby vanished from her crib in Valrico, Florida, as reported by Fox 13 news

Despite extensive searches and advanced technologies like genetic genealogy in DNA analysis, Sabrina’s whereabouts remain an unsolved mystery.

With fresh leads occasionally emerging, the hope of solving this heartbreaking mystery lingers.

Here's what we know about the disappearance of Sabrina Aisenberg. 

Who Was Sabrina Aisenberg?

Sabrina Aisenberg was a joyful and healthy baby born on June 27, 1997, to Marlene and Steve Aisenberg. 

She was their third child, joining siblings William and Monica in a tight-knit family. 

Sabrina’s giggles and innocent presence brought immense happiness to the Aisenberg household, making her sudden disappearance all the more devastating.

Sabrina Aisenberg would have been 28 years old this year, leaving many to wonder what her life might have been like.


How Did Sabrina Aisenberg Disappear?

The Aisenberg family’s nightmare began on the morning of November 24, 1997. 

Sabrina’s mother, Marlene, told Fox13 News that she checked on her baby in the crib around midnight and she was fine and okay. 

Surprisingly, by morning, Sabrina—and her blue and yellow handmade blanket—were gone. 

Marlene noticed that the garage door was open and the door leading to the house was unlocked. 

At 6:42 a.m., the Aisenbergs called 911, prompting a rapid response from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Neighbors, who had previously mentioned attempted break-ins in the area, reported hearing strange noises that night.

One individual reported hearing a baby crying around 1 a.m., even though neither they nor any nearby families had infants.

Sadly, these clues failed to provide a clear explanation of what happened to Sabrina that morning. 



The Search and Investigation into the Disappearance of Sabrina Aisenberg 

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office launched an extensive investigation

Police combed the Aisenberg home, the surrounding neighborhood, and nearby waterways, but Sabrina was nowhere in sight. 

Crime scene investigators uncovered several pieces of potential evidence: unidentified fingerprints, a blonde hair strand, and a shoe print near Sabrina’s crib. 

However, none of this led to a breakthrough.

Law enforcement officials searched lakes, followed leads across 49 states, and interviewed countless witnesses. 

Despite these efforts, nothing concrete came up. 

Suspicion soon fell on Marlene and Steve Aisenberg, as detectives suggested that they may have murdered their daughter, as reported by FOX13 news.

Criminal investigators obtained permission to wiretap the family’s conversations, claiming they had probable cause to suspect foul play. 

Over 79 days, detectives recorded more than 2,600 conversations.

The transcripts allegedly included incriminating statements, leading to criminal charges against the Aisenbergs.

However, further analysis later deemed the recordings unintelligible and unreliable. 

Marlene and Steve Aisenberg


In 2001, the charges against the Aisenbergs were dropped and they were awarded $1.5 million for their legal fees under the Hyde Amendment.

A judge criticized how law enforcement handled the case, stating that investigators had lied to obtain wiretap permissions.

Over the years, the case saw multiple twists, including allegations against an investigator and wild claims from an inmate. 

According to Fox13 news, the inmate claimed that he was asked to dispose of Sabrina’s body in a boat by the investigator.

Despite these developments, Sabrina’s fate remained elusive, and no physical evidence ever confirmed foul play.


Sabrina Aisenberg, age progression pictures


Ongoing Efforts To Solve The Case 

Despite the controversies and legal battles, efforts to locate Sabrina Aisenberg continue. 

Advances in DNA technology and investigative genealogy have solved similar cases, raising hopes that Sabrina’s case might one day be resolved. 

The Aisenbergs have expressed optimism, believing that forensic breakthroughs could provide answers.

They have also submitted DNA samples to genealogy websites like Ancestry.com and 23andMe.

Cold cases are being solved every day with new DNA technology. We just need one clue to find Sabrina," Marlene Aisenberg told FOX 13 News in 2023

Two decades later, Sabrina’s family, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the public continue to hope for answers

With each passing year, the public and law enforcement remain hopeful that Sabrina will finally be found.

“We believe she’s alive and out there,” Marlene said hoping to see Sabrina someday.

If you have any information regarding Sabrina Aisenberg's disappearance, please reach out to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.


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