She Left India To Marry Him In The U S — 74 Days Later, She Was Gone.

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In early spring, Anjali D’Souza should have been living her dream. The 27-year-old beautician from Goa, India, had just arrived in the United States on a K-1 fiancée visa, ready to start a new life with the man she loved. But less than three months after stepping onto American soil, Anjali vanished without a trace—leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions, shattered hopes, and a chilling true crime mystery that has gripped two continents.

This is the story of how a long-distance romance turned into a nightmare, and how Anjali’s disappearance has exposed the hidden dangers faced by many women chasing love and new beginnings far from home.

Anjali D’Souza first met Mark Peterson, a 34-year-old automotive engineer from Michigan, on a popular international dating app. Their connection was instant; messages turned into video calls, and soon, plans to build a future together. Friends say Anjali was swept off her feet by Mark’s charm and promises of a better life in America.

After nearly a year of virtual courtship, Mark proposed. Anjali accepted, and the couple began the lengthy process of applying for a K-1 visa—a special visa that allows foreign fiancées of U.S. citizens to enter the country, provided they marry within 90 days.

In February, Anjali bid farewell to her family in Goa, promising to send for them soon. “She was so excited and nervous,” recalls her mother, Maria D’Souza. “She thought this was her fairy tale.”

Anjali arrived in Michigan in late February, greeted by Mark at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The first weeks seemed idyllic. Social media posts showed the couple exploring local sights, sharing meals, and even planning their wedding.

But behind the smiles, friends and family noticed subtle changes. Anjali’s calls home became less frequent. She seemed withdrawn, her voice sometimes strained. When her best friend Priya asked if everything was okay, Anjali brushed it off: “Just getting used to things here. It’s a big adjustment.”

As weeks passed, the fairy tale began to unravel. Neighbors in Mark’s quiet suburban neighborhood reported rarely seeing Anjali outside. Some noticed Mark’s car coming and going at odd hours, but Anjali was almost never with him.

Priya, still in Goa, grew increasingly concerned. “She stopped replying to messages. When she did, it was always short, like someone was watching,” Priya said.

Anjali’s mother received a final, hurried call in late April. “She said she missed home, but Mark didn’t like her talking to us so much,” Maria remembers, tears welling up. “She promised to call again soon. She never did.”

On May 7th—just 74 days after her arrival—Anjali D’Souza vanished. Mark told police she had left after an argument, taking only her purse and leaving behind her passport and phone. He claimed she wanted “some space.”

But Anjali’s family wasn’t convinced. “She would never just disappear,” Maria insisted. “She was scared of being alone in a strange country.”

Local police launched an investigation, but with little evidence and no signs of foul play, progress was slow. Mark cooperated at first, but soon stopped answering questions. He hired a lawyer and refused to speak to the media.

As the weeks dragged on, disturbing details began to emerge. Investigators discovered that Mark had a history of controlling behavior in past relationships. Former girlfriends described him as possessive, jealous, and prone to fits of anger.

Detectives also learned that Anjali had confided in a neighbor, telling her she felt isolated and trapped. “She said Mark wouldn’t let her go out alone or talk to anyone for long,” the neighbor recalled. “She looked scared.”

Digital forensics revealed that Anjali’s social media accounts were accessed from Mark’s home even after her disappearance. Police believe someone may have used her accounts to send misleading messages, making it seem as if she was still alive.

Back in Goa, the D’Souza family has been relentless in their quest for answers. They have reached out to Indian and American authorities, launched social media campaigns, and even hired a private investigator.

“We just want to know what happened to our daughter,” Maria pleads. “If she’s out there, we want her to come home. If not, we want justice.”

The case has drawn international attention, sparking conversations about the vulnerability of immigrant women, especially those on dependent visas. Advocacy groups point out that K-1 visa holders often have little support and few rights until they marry—making them uniquely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

As of today, Anjali D’Souza remains missing. Police have not named Mark Peterson as a suspect, but say he remains “a person of interest.” No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

For Anjali’s family, the wait is agonizing. “Every day, we hope for news,” says Priya. “We just want to bring her home.”

Anjali’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that the search for love and a better life can sometimes lead to danger. Experts urge those entering international relationships to stay connected with loved ones, know their rights, and reach out for help at the first sign of trouble.

“Love should never mean isolation or fear,” says Dr. Ritu Sharma, an advocate for immigrant women’s rights. “Anjali’s case shows how important it is for communities to look out for each other—and for authorities to take every disappearance seriously.”