MONTEREY, Tenn. (WTVF) — A child kidnapped from New Jersey was found safe in Monterrey, Tennessee on Saturday. His mother was found dead by authorities.
The New Jersey Union County prosecutor's office announced Saturday morning the child, Sebastian Rios, 2, was found safely in Monterey. The suspect and father -- Tyler Rios of Highland Park -- allegedly took the child and his mother, Yasmine Uyar.
Officials said an investigation led to Rios being identified as a suspect in the case after Sebastian Rios did not show up for daycare Friday, and Uyar did not arrive for scheduled work shifts. A welfare check was conducted on Uyar’s home by members of the Rahway Police Department Friday morning, but no one was found inside.
Shortly thereafter, New Jersey State Police issued an Amber Alert that was sent to privately owned cell phones, broadcast on electronic billboards along highways in New Jersey and beyond, and widely shared via social media.
The Amber Alert indicated that Tyler Rios was supposed to be driving a Silver 2018 Ford Fiesta.
Around 3:15 a.m. Monterrey Police Officers along with Putnam County Deputies found the silver Fiesta in the parking lot of a Bethel Inn Hotel located near I-40 off of exit 301 in Monterrey.
Authorities gathered that Tyler Rios was staying at the hotel, and entered the room by force after Rios refused to let them in.
Police found both Tyler and his son in the room, and place the child in a safe location.
Shortly after, Tyler cooperated with authorities and led them to the location off of Highway 70 where the dead body of Yasmine Uyar wasa located.
Tyler Rios was taken to Putnam County Jail where he is being held on a felony fugitive charge without bound.
Further charges are expected from the Union County Prosecutor's Office which could possibly include murder homicide and kidnapping.
The FBI is also involved in the investigation as well.
Sheriff Farris had this to say about the case: “I am very pleased with the professionalism of Putnam Sheriff Deputies, Monterey Police Officers and the cooperation with other agencies involved. I am thankful for the wellbeing and unharmed two-year-old. I would also like to express my sadness regarding the death of Yasemin Uyar and condolences to her family and friends.”
