Who Is the Culprit?

According to the police officer, it was Michael’s grandparents who kidnapped him when he was 5 years old and never contacted his parents again. He even told him that his parents have been looking for him ever since. Michael turned to his grandparents for answers or at least a sign.

For Breakfast

Michael’s biological mother explained to officer Russell that her 5-year-old son was playing in the living room when his grandparents took him out for breakfast. According to her, it was the last time she saw them as well as her son. But why would Michael’s grandparents’ do such a thing?

Living In A Car

So there’s a significant backstory that will justify each and every action of Michaels grandparents. Let’s start with Michael’s parents’ financial status who were living in a car 19 years back.  They were not stable enough to take care of their son and that is the reason why the government gave the kid’s temporary custody to their parents.

Not The Only Reason

Michael’s father filed a case in a hope to get his son’s custody back, however, the homeless couple’s financial instability wasn’t all that bothered the old couple. It was his mother who was the biggest reason behind the grandparents’ conduct.

Developmental Disabilities

Michael’s mother, Lisa, was suffering from mild developmental disabilities. She was moved to a group home where kids weren’t allowed. After staying in there for a couple of months when Lisa was eventually released, she immediately tried to gain her kid’s custody back. When Michael’s grandparents received a legal notice to appear in the court for the hearing, they knew it was high time to act.

Rediscussing The Case

19 years after this incident, Michael’s biological mom was discussing her son’s missing case with officer Russell, an Indiana State Police detective who decided to relook in the case. He started with the F.I.R. and the photos of the young boy. He then noticed the SSN card that gave him the breakthrough in this case.