A Fitchburg family, including five children ranging from 9 months to 10 years old, who were reported missing on March 5, has been located safe in Texas. The children were found in the custody of Texas Child Protective Services, and their mother Ruth Encarnacion, 30, and her boyfriend Isael Rivera, 31, are now facing charges of custodial kidnapping.
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families are collaborating with Texas authorities to arrange for the return of the family to Massachusetts. Encarnacion and Rivera, who is the father of the four youngest children, will be brought back to Massachusetts to face the charges.
Discovery in Texas
The family was reported missing when Encarnacion was initially reported missing on March 3, followed by the children on March 5. Authorities located them in Hill County, Texas, three days later. The parents were arrested in Whitney, Texas, and are currently being held at the Hill County Jail in Hillsboro after waiving extradition.
By waiving extradition, Encarnacion and Rivera have agreed to be transferred back to Massachusetts without the need for a formal hearing. Massachusetts authorities have 10 days from March 7 to make the necessary arrangements for their return.
Background and Investigation
The investigation into the family began on February 6 when a pediatrician reported Rivera for alleged medical neglect of the 9-month-old child. Fitchburg police and a DCF worker attempted to serve the family with a court summons regarding custody on February 27, but no one was home at the time.
When Encarnacion and Rivera failed to appear for their court hearing on March 4, DCF reported the children missing the following day. The family was believed to be traveling in a 2018 Infiniti QX60 at the time.
The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by authorities in cases of custodial kidnapping and child welfare concerns. It underscores the importance of timely intervention and collaboration between agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
As the legal process unfolds and the family is brought back to Massachusetts, the community will be watching closely for updates on the case. The well-being of the children and the resolution of the charges against the parents will be of paramount importance in the coming days and weeks.
