16 February 2024 , 11:11
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The foster mother accused of taking a five-year-old boy made 'statements' to her husband that forced him to believe the child was in danger.
Police have shared that they believe little Darnell Taylor was taken by Pammy Maye, who had made suggestions to her husband that led him to believe the boy had been hurt, and has not been seen since. It's reported that the suspect’s vehicle, a gray 2015 Jeep Cherokee was found by police near Cleveland, as the search continues.
An Amber Alert has been issued across the state of Ohio after the child and his foster mother vanished. Her husband, not yet named by the force, called police around 3am on Wednesday, saying his wife, 48, woke him up and “made statements that made him believe that their foster child, Darnell had been hurt”. The vehicle was found in Brooklyn shortly before 6am, but Mrs. Maye and Darnell have not been located.
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Columbus Police believe he was taken by his foster mother Pammy Maye (Columbus Division of Police)Chilling audio of the 911 call was played at a news conference Thursday. A man can be heard appearing to say that his wife said “that she killed our foster child,” but the audio is not entirely clear. “As you heard from the portion of the 911 call that you heard, we have reason, significant reason, to believe that Darnell could be in danger,” Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said.
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Police are asking the public to report any sightings (Columbus Division of Police)Police have filed charges of third-degree child endangerment and first-degree kidnapping against the woman. Maye began fostering the boy in May 2023, when he was three. His biological family has been notified of his disappearance. Police were allegedly called to Maye's address several months ago for an unrelated incident.
Police are looking to establish a timeline of events. The boy is believed to have been wearing Spider-Man pajamas and white boots, police said. "Pammy, if you’re watching this, could you please reach out and contact us," Bryant said. "We need to know that Darnell is safe."
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Columbus Police tweeted: "Detectives need your help locating missing 5-year-old Darnell Taylor. Anyone with information on Mrs. Maye or Darnell’s whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tips can also be called into our tipline at 614-645-2228, or Central Ohio Crimestoppers at 614-645-8477."
Weir said "The husband is cooperating," in the investigation and Police are using K-9 units to search the neighborhood around Reeb Avenue. If you see the child, the suspect, or the vehicle, you are asked to call 1-877-AMBER-OH or 911 or you can call Columbus Police at (614) 645-4555.