In an international parental kidnapping case, Jorge “Jo-Jo” Morales who was kidnapped in Miami back in August was found safe in Canada by investigators from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Subscribe to the Florida Jolt Newsletter!
Jo-Jo was last seen on August 27th, 2022 when his grandmother, Lilliam Pena Morales picked him up for a scheduled custody visit. When the boy wasn’t returned as scheduled, his mother, Yanet Concepcion, reported him missing. When police went to the Lilliam’s apartment to investigate, they found that Morales’ apartment was empty and Jo-Jo, his father Jorge Morales Sr., and grandmother had disappeared.
In September, investigators in Maine found an abandoned SUV that contained items believed to belong to Jo-Jo. The FBI released surveillance footage that showed Morales and the boy entering a drugstore in Maine, followed by Peña Morales. Both of those incidents took place close to the border with Canada.
A big break in the investigation when a tipster called police from a Walmart in Moncton saying he saw the father and son shopping, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Police responded and arrested Jo-Jo’s father Jorge in the Moncton Walmart. Then they arrested the boy’s grandmother, Lilliam Morales, after they found her about 45 minutes away from the Walmart.
Miami-Dade police say Jorge "Jojo" Morales, a young boy who has autism and was kidnapped in late August, allegedly by his father and grandmother, has been found safe in Canada. https://t.co/qpd1eFKrNv
— 48 Hours (@48hours) October 31, 2022
Miami-Dade police say Jorge "Jojo" Morales, a young boy who has autism and was kidnapped in late August, allegedly by his father and grandmother, has been found safe in Canada, @CBSMiami reports. https://t.co/bsWdVcS4v4
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) October 31, 2022
For the first time in two months, Homestead mother Yanet Leal spoke to her 6-year-old son, Jorge "Jojo" Morales, after the kidnapped boy was found safe in Canada.https://t.co/w0Vl4NcNQ6
— WINK News (@winknews) October 31, 2022
“This is another example how local, state, federal, and international law enforcement, along with the United States and State Attorney’s Office coming together for the safety of a child and will continue to work together to fight the greater evil,” Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said in a statement.
Jo-Jo is in the care of a social worker as he awaits to return to Miami, and his mother is waiting for Canadian authorities to expedite Jo-Jo’s passport and documentation to get him back to Miami.
Jorge Morales and his mother are wanted for the interference of custody and concealing a minor in violation of a court order. It’s unclear when Morales and Peña Morales will be extradited to face charges.
Other stories you may want to read:
Domestic Violence Call Turns Into Shootout With The Cops
Armed Florida Man Gets Arrested Outside Jaguar Dealership
- [Video] NYC Baseball Bat Thug Attacks Random Stranger - July 12, 2023
- California Assembly Blocks Child Trafficking Bill - July 12, 2023
- Georgia Mayor Arrested for Burglary – ‘Do You Know Who the F*** I Am’ - July 10, 2023