The Disappearance of Sky Metalwala: A Washington Mystery
Sky Elijah Metalwala, a two-year-old boy from Bellevue, Washington, vanished on November 6, 2011. Sky was born on September 6, 2009, to Julia Biryukova and Solomon Metalwala. By that time, the couple had been together for over a decade, but their relationship was far from perfect. Julia, born in Soviet Russia, and Solomon, an immigrant from Pakistan, had a turbulent history that only worsened with time. Financial stress, mental health struggles, and allegations of abuse plagued their lives, culminating in a bitter divorce and custody battle over their two children: Sky and his older sister, Maile.
By November 2011, Julia had sole custody of both children. On the morning of November 6, she claims that Sky had fallen ill, so she set off for the hospital with both kids. However, she never made it there. Julia says her car ran out of gas, and instead of heading to a nearby house for help, she left Sky alone in the car while she and Maile walked nearly a mile to a gas station. Strangely, she didn't bring any money or a phone, but instead walked to a payphone and called a friend to pick her up. When they returned to the car, Sky was gone.
Police launched an immediate search but were quickly suspicious of Julia’s story. The car, it turned out, still had plenty of gas, and no mechanical issues were found. Over the years, various theories have emerged about what happened to Sky. Some believe Julia may have staged the abduction, while others wonder if someone was hiding the child or if something more tragic occurred.
Despite extensive investigations, no conclusive evidence has surfaced, and Julia has refused to cooperate with police since 2011. Her silence continues to frustrate both law enforcement and the public. Sky's father, Solomon, remains hopeful that his son is still alive, and a new age-progressed photo was released in 2020, showing what Sky might look like at 10 years old.
Sky's disappearance remains a deeply unsettling mystery, one that leaves many asking why. If you have any information, contact the Bellevue Police Department at pdtipline@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-2564.
Sources:
Police: Missing boy not seen for 2 weeks | The Seattle Times
Sky Metalwala's mother knows more, says missing boy's father | krem.com
Foul play suspected in case of missing Wash. boy – Deseret News
Missing toddler's parents alleged abuse, neglect against each other | Part 2 | Kirkland Reporter
Sky Metalwala’s disappearance still an active investigation after 3 years | The Seattle Times
Police stymied by contradictions in Sky Metalwala's disappearance - Los Angeles Times
Sky Metalwala's mother knows more, says missing boy's father | krem.com
UPDATE: Solomon Metalwala Wins Custody of Sky's 4-Year-Old Sister | Kirkland, WA Patch
Sky Metalwala's mother could lose custody of new baby | king5.com
Sky Metalwala’s disappearance still an active investigation after 3 years | The Seattle Times
Police: Missing boy not seen for 2 weeks | The Seattle Times
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