CNNThe search is on for Miss Honduras and her sister who have gone missing days before the Miss World Pageant is set to begin.
Investigators say María José Alvarado Muñoz and Sofia Trinidad were last seen getting into a vehicle after attending a friend's birthday near their hometown of Santa Barbara, Honduras last Thursday. Their family reported their disappearance to police Saturday.
As their parents continue to hope for a safe return, police announced a major breakthrough in the case Monday.
According to Fox News Latino, Honduran authorities are holding four people for questioning in regards to the pair's disappearance.
One of the detained is Plutarco Ruiz, the boyfriend of Sofia. Another is the owner of the business where the women disappeared.
"Initially we detained 10 [people]," police said. "But six have been released." Investigators continue to treat the case as a disappearance because as of now, no evidence of a kidnapping has been uncovered.
María beat out 18 contestants and obtained the Miss Honduras crown in April. She was expected to arrive in London at the end of the week and join contestants from more than 120 countries. They would then partake in early rounds of the Miss World Pageant before the final round is held Dec. 14.
According to her official profile, María has aspirations of a career in government, specifically as a diplomat for her country. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, football and performing the Punta Dance.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maria and Sofia's family during this difficult time.