A wanted Massachusetts couple has been apprehended, and five missing children have been located, according to police.
The Fitchburg Police Department has announced that Ruth Encarnacion and Isael Rivera have been apprehended in Whitney, Texas.
The five children who had been reported missing have also been located and are safe in the care of Texas Child Protective Services.
Fitchburg Police launched an investigation after receiving a missing person report for Encarnacion on March 3.
The Department of Children and Families later reported her five children missing on March 5. Following the DCF report, Massachusetts State Troopers from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office joined the investigation.
Police obtained warrants for Ruth Encarnacion and Isael Rivera on five counts of Custodial Kidnapping of a Minor by a Relative.
The Fitchburg Police Department stated that their Bureau of Criminal Investigation has worked tirelessly over the past several days to bring this ordeal to a successful conclusion.
“We would like to thank our many law enforcement partners that assisted, including the Massachusetts State Police, the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Hill County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office.”
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families are currently working with Texas authorities to arrange for the return of all parties to Massachusetts.
