Seven-year-old Iris Crum has been found safe in Texas according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The TBI posted the update on X after she was found in League City, a suburb of Houston, Texas with her non-custodial mother, Khaila Czereda, and her 33-year-old husband, Ethan Czereda.
TBI first announced Iris' disappearance on March 2, 2024. Officials stated that she had last been seen in the area of Blue Fox Trail in Murfreesboro on March 1, 2024. Officials believed that Iris was with her mother.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sent out an endangered child alert for Iris on March 2. After further investigation, officials with the TBI upgraded the case to an Amber Alert on Friday, March 8.
Rutherford County Sheriff's Detective, Sergeant Joseph Duncan, mentioned the smile on Iris' face upon her discovery.
"She looks as happy as can be. She is smiling from ear to ear" Sgt. Duncan said after the RCSO received a picture of the child from the Texas Rangers and League City Police.
Khaila Czereda has been taken into custody on charges of felony child abduction from San Diego County, California, and custodial interference from Rutherford County.
Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh also commented on the search for Iris, "I am very proud of our detectives and other law enforcement partners for the dedication and tenacity for following all leads and information to bring Iris home."
Sgt. Duncan went on to explain how officials discovered Iris in League City. "We used investigative leads to gain information Iris was at a home in Texas. The Texas Rangers and police there apprehended Khaila and returned Iris to safety. It was a team effort between TBI, the Sheriff's Office, Texas officers and partner law enforcement agencies across the country. We worked a lot of hours but we have her safe."
Sgt. Duncan is thankful to everyone involved in locating Iris, especially the community members who called in tips to detectives.
Ethan Czereda has been charged with felony aggravated kidnapping, accessory after the fact and false report/information to officers. He is being held on a $75,000 bond at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
A hearing on his charges is set for May 13 in the Rutherford County General Sessions Court.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
