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Family to Seek Legal Death Declaration for Missing Toddler

WATERVILLE, Maine - The mother of a toddler who disappeared five years ago plans to take steps to obtain a legal declaration that the youngster died.

The mother's family said in a statement ahead of the fifth anniversary of Ayla Reynolds' disappearance that the declaration is necessary to preserve the rights of Ayla's estate to "assert future civil claims'' to hold those responsible for her death accountable.

Ayla was staying with her father, Justin DiPietro, in Waterville when she was reported missing on the morning of Dec. 17, 2011. DiPietro said the 20-month-old girl was missing from her bed.

Police found blood in the father's basement bedroom and they believe Ayla was killed. There have been no charges in the case.