A 48-year-old woman from Kennard was charged with illegally taking two of her grandchildren, a 12-month-old boy and 2-year-old girl, on March 8, 2013. A 6-year-old boy who is also thought to be her grandson was also present and uninjured, and all three children were found in Fort Worth, Texas, about three hours from their home. According to reports from Houston County law enforcement personnel, the woman took the children on March 7, 2013 and the Amber Alert was issued for the children at approximately 3 p.m.
Authorities suspected that the woman possessed a handgun. They were concerned by the possible presence of the weapon and by comments she previously made. The grandmother had been in a child custody argument with the father of the children. The mother of the children, who was the woman’s daughter, died in December 2012.
She did not want to return the children to their father after Christmas, so she kept them with her. However, he was pursuing legal action related to his rights and was close to being finished with the process when the grandmother absconded with the children.
The authorities, including the Texas Rangers, received information regarding their possible whereabouts. They surrounded the Fort Worth residence and located the woman and children.
Details remained unclear on the 6-year-old. The whereabouts of his father are unknown.
Grandparent’s rights in case of a death can be murky at best. A family law attorney may be able to set up a visitation schedule between the father and grandmother that both parties could agree upon. The courts consider the best interests of the children and look at their welfare and stability when determining visitation.
Source: Star-Telegram, “Kennard woman arrested in Fort Worth in kidnapping case,” Bill Miller, March 8, 2013
