Jojo Morales: Autistic Miami boy, 6, kidnapped in August, found safe, unharmed in Canada
Yesterday, a worried Miami mom’s nightmare came to a close when she received the welcome news that her baby boy, who has been missing for more than two months, has been found safe and sound.
Miami-Dade police say Jorge “Jojo” Morales, a six-year-old boy who has autism and was kidnapped in late August, allegedly by his father and grandmother, has been found safe in Canada, CBS Miami reports.
The little boy’s father, Jorge Gabriel Morales and his grandma, Lilliam Pena Morales, were taken into custody by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The six-year-old boy was reported to be in good health according to Yahoo! News.
In late August of this year, the child’s grandmother picked him up for a court-mandated and properly scheduled visitation; and that’s the last time Jorge’s mother saw him. “The father failed to return him, violating the court order, and Jojo’s mother, Yanet Leal Concepcion, contacted police to report the incident.”
The Daily Beast reported the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as sharing that on Sunday, a member of the public spotted the missing child and his father, Jorge Gabriel Morales, shopping at a Walmart in the Canadian city of Moncton, New Brunswick. The Good Samaritan recognized Jojo from media reports and contacted authorities.
“Somebody called and somebody said something and I’m just so grateful for that person because it just took that,” said Concepcion. “Spreading the news, spreading the word and people wanted to help.”
A few hours later, the worried mom could hear her son’s voice on the phone.
“I’m just so happy because my son is okay, I feared the worst,” Yanet Leal Concepcion, Jojo’s mother, who initially reported him missing Aug. 27, told Local10. “Every mother fears the worst and I’m just… I can’t, my body is like leaving my soul. I’m just so happy I can’t stop crying.”
“All I said was, ‘Hey, baby! I missed you!’ and he says, ‘It’s mommy, it’s mommy!’”
CBS News reports that as soon as possible after her son is returned, she’s taking him on a Disney Cruise – which is something he’s always wanted.
The boy’s father and grandmother are facing charges for the interference of custody and concealing a minor contrary to a court order.
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
