GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A woman is in custody and her son that she is accused of kidnapping was found safe in Los Angeles, Gwinnett County Police announced.
“Detectives assigned to this case acted swiftly, pursuing all available leads. During the investigation, they discovered that Michelle Marks had traveled earlier today from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport using an alias,” according to Gwinnett County Police. “Detectives promptly alerted the LAPD, who successfully located both Michelle Marks and Royal Marks at a location previously associated with Michelle Marks. Detectives would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and federal and state agencies for assisting in this case.”
ORGINAL STORY:
Police in Gwinnett County are searching for a woman who is accused of kidnapping her son that she does not have custody of on Tuesday.
Police responded to Valley Bluff Lane in Snellville after receiving a 911 call about a missing child on Tuesday.
Police learned that Michelle Marks lost custody of her son, 7-year-old Royal Marks, while they were living in Oklahoma last year due to child neglect. The boy’s father was given custody.
Gwinnett officials said when they arrived at the home on Tuesday, the child’s father learned that Michelle Marks had come to Georgia to visit the child.
Authorities were informed by family members that they heard Michelle Marks make multiple threats to hurt herself if she completely lost custody of her son. Michelle allegedly made these threats in response to a conversation about a custody hearing that was scheduled soon, according to police.
Royal’s father told police that Michelle Marks took the child in the middle of the night after making the threats. Kidnapping warrants have been obtained for Michelle Marks, who also has warrants in the state of Oklahoma.
Investigators are working with federal authorities to locate Michelle and Royal Marks. She may try to leave Georgia with the child, according to Gwinnett County police. Michelle does not own a car, but she may have access to ride-share apps, police add.
Michelle Marks is 5-foot-3 and weighs 140 pounds. Royal 4-foot-11 and weighs 90 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red long sleeve thermal shirt with white lettering and jogging pants.
Anyone with information is urged to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or online. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
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