A heartening resolution has emerged in the case of a 12-year-old boy from Oklahoma who disappeared from a Chickasha hotel earlier this year on January 2. Authorities and volunteers have confirmed his safe recovery.
After days of uncertainty, the young boy was located in Caddo County, thanks to the diligent efforts of the United Cajun Navy group, a nonprofit organization known for its grassroots search and rescue missions. News 9 reported that these volunteers were instrumental in bringing the child back to safety.
Hunter McKee, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, shared that although initially frightened, the boy was found to be in good health after undergoing medical evaluation at a local hospital. His ability to survive alone was credited to his knowledge of outdoor survival and camping techniques, which enabled him to find food and water during his time away.
Upon being found, the boy expressed remorse, worried that his disappearance had caused concern for those searching for him. However, the search team was quick to offer reassurance and comfort, emphasizing that his safety was their primary concern.
“He was apologetic, terrified, super scared like he was gonna be in trouble,” one of the volunteers from the United Cajun Navy group told KOCO News. “We reassured him this wasn’t his fault, he’s safe, and gave him a big hug,” the volunteer added, highlighting the compassion and relief felt by all involved.
“He was apologetic, terrified, super scared like he was gonna be in trouble. We reassured him this wasn’t his fault, he’s safe, and gave him a big hug,” a United Cajun Navy group volunteer said, KOCO News reports.
“We had to get a tissue, I had to wipe his tears.”
McKee said it’s currently unclear how the 12-year-old got to Caddo County, near Cement, after leaving the Quality Inn, in Chickasha, on foot.
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother, Kimberly Cole, and stepfather, George Cole, are behind bars facing multiple charges related to physical and sexual abuse, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
One of the charges against Kimberly Cole includes “crime against nature,” although details surrounding the charge are not yet available.
“When Chickasha police department requested us to look into this case, not only was it important for us to locate this child safely, but we also needed to look into the entire aspect of this case and find out why is the child missing in the beginning for multiple days,” Mckee stated Tuesday.
“This is an extremely sad and horrific case for everyone involved. We’re talking about a 12-year-old boy who didn’t get to live the life of a normal 12-year-old child.”
McKee said during a news conference Sunday that boy would not be returning home.
“We’re going to find the best home for him, moving forward, for this child, however that’s going to look…we are going to do what we can to ensure that’s he put in the right home.”
George and Kimberly Cole remain behinds bars in Caddo County.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photos: Kimberly and George Cole/Caddo County Police]
