Teen missing four years found alive behind a false wall

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Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Nov 30 2014 | 1:10 PM IST
A 13-year-old boy who had been reported missing four years ago by his mother was discovered alive behind a false wall in his father's home near Atlanta, leading to the arrest of five people including the teen's father and his stepmother.
The teen went missing in 2010 while visiting his father in Florida, it was then, his mother had apparently reported the matter to child welfare authorities, but not to police.
"The father Gregory Jean (37), stepmother Samantha Joy Davis (42), and three others were charged with obstruction, false imprisonment and cruelty to children," said the Clayton County police in Atlanta, Georgia.
The boy appeared to be in good physical health and was reunited with his mother yesterday, police said on the emotional reunion between the mother and son after four long years.
"On initial investigation, we could not locate the boy but several hours later, on coming back and again searching the residence we discovered him hidden behind a false wall hidden by towels ," Police Sergeant KT Hughes said.
The apparent hiding space was above the garage of the home, Huges said.
On questioning neighbours they said the boy was always seen working in the yard, and that he was home-schooled, a local TV channel WXIA reported.
"It was a shock to all of us. They were really nice people, very open they said come over anytime you want," said Julie Pizarro, a neighbour said.
Both Jean and Davis could face more of criminal charges when the investigation unfolds.
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First Published: Nov 30 2014 | 1:10 PM IST