A Massachusetts family, comprising a mother and her five children, who had vanished earlier in the week, have been located unharmed in Texas. The Fitchburg police announced on Saturday that Ruth Encarnacion and her offspring, aged between 10 years and 9 months, were found in Whitney, Texas, alongside Isael Rivera, with whom they reside. This discovery has led to significant actions involving child protective services and law enforcement from both states.
The journey of this family began when authorities in Fitchburg received a report indicating the disappearance of Encarnacion, Rivera, and the five minors on Thursday. Following this report, warrants were issued for both adults on charges related to custodial kidnapping of minors by relatives. Despite considering an Amber Alert, it was determined unsuitable due to the nature of the case not meeting the criteria for immediate danger.
Upon locating the family in Texas, the children were promptly placed under the care of Texas Child Protective Services. Both Encarnacion and Rivera are currently in custody. Authorities from the Worcester District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families are collaborating closely with their counterparts in Texas to facilitate the return of all seven family members to Massachusetts.
This incident highlights the complexities involved in cases of parental abduction and underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between different jurisdictions. The safe recovery of the children is a relief, but the situation also raises questions about the circumstances leading up to their departure and the future steps that will be taken to ensure the well-being of the entire family.