Nice People?

John R. Russell, who investigated this missing case for several months said, “these people (the grandparents) were nice people. It was wrong for them to do it, but I can understand why. But I also didn’t think the child would be in any danger at all with them.” he explained that Michael’s parents were unemployed and homeless.

GrandParent’s Home

When the news of Michael’s discovery was given to Richard and Lisa, his biological parents, they were relieved that their son was alive and lived with the right people. The couple was overwhelmed with emotions but weren’t yet ready to meet him. 

A Relieved Father

Richard showed his regret for not giving Michael’s SSN to the police before. He recalled, “I was at church and talked to a state policeman about running his number again, I gave him the Social Security card. We just kept hoping.”

Not Yet Ready

Richard Landers Sr., his father said, “we always just kept it in the back of our minds that we believed we were going to see him again. Until I get to actually walk up and say hello to him again, I don’t know if it’s going to be real.” He still waits to reunite with his parents and his son.

Wife Taking Stand

“His ‘grandparents’ didn’t follow the law, but they did what was right. Sometimes, our US laws don’t help or protect the people they should. He was 5. He remembers his birth parents and what they were like, He had been living under his grandparents’ care since he was a 6-month-old baby. It’s kind of like now, my emotions are torn between wanting to see him and not wanting to wreck his life,” the couple told in an interview with a news channel.

The Man He Is Today

“He had been living under his grandparents care since he was a 6-month-old baby. He was where he wanted and needed to be safe and become the man he is today, my husband and best friend,” she further added.