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Read the press release here.

Mentally Ill Man Missing After Eviction From Bed-Stuy Group Home: Family

By Camille Bautista | September 15, 2015 9:47am
 Cesar Ortiz Jr. has been missing since the start of September, family members said.
Cesar Ortiz Jr. has been missing since the start of September, family members said.
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Janette Messina

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A mentally ill man has been missing for two weeks after everyone in his group home was evicted, his family said.

Relatives of Cesar Ortiz Jr. have been searching for the 51-year-old since they realized he was missing Wednesday night after stopping by his Bainbridge Street home and spotting an eviction notice on the door, according to Janette Messina, Ortiz Jr.’s sister.

Messina said her brother’s caretaker later informed her that her brother had been gone since the start of September.

Ortiz Jr. lived at 329 Bainbridge St. with other mentally ill men, his sister added.

Family members said the eviction letter found at the home was dated Aug. 25. They said the caretaker explained he had been planning to move the occupants elsewhere.

 Relatives are concerned for Cesar Ortiz Jr.'s health, as he is schizophrenic and needs daily medication, family members said.
Relatives are concerned for Cesar Ortiz Jr.'s health, as he is schizophrenic and needs daily medication, family members said.
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Janette Messina

He told relatives that when the new location was not ready, he placed the men in an Atlantic Avenue hotel. But, when he checked on them later, Ortiz Jr. was nowhere to be found.

The caretaker declined to comment to DNAinfo.

Relatives are worried about Ortiz Jr.’s wellbeing as he requires daily medication to manage his schizophrenia, Messina said.

“He hears voices and sometimes gets violent,” she said. “We’re asking if anyone sees him to call the police. He may not look well or be well, but he is a family member that we love.”

Family posted fliers around Bedford-Stuyvesant on Sunday calling for local residents to keep a lookout for him.

“We are making a tremendous effort to look for him day and night," Messina said.

"We need to get him back on his medication. It’s important so he doesn’t hurt himself or others."

Attempts to reach the Bainbridge Street apartment's owner and his lawyer were not successful. The city’s Department of Health referred inquiries to the New York State Department of Health, which they said regulates adult care and assisted living programs. The state did not immediately respond to questions.

Anyone with information on Ortiz Jr. or his whereabouts is asked to call the 77th Precinct at 718- 735-0611 or contact family members at 929-352-3727 or 347-699-2174.