Crestview, Florida – Karl Menz, 50 and Virginia Lynch, 49 lost custody of their son, Emmanuel, 3 six months ago “due to (an) abuse case,” as stated on a call record released by the Crestview Police Department.
A nationwide search is now underway for Menz and Lynch following the abduction of Emmanuel Menz, who has shown signs of being autistic.
Menz and Lynch, who were on a supervised visit with Emmanuel at a Burger King restaurant, were seen leaving with him via CCTV footage.
Crestview Police Lt. Andrew Schneider said that there was no indication of any struggle.
The woman who was supervising the visit from Chautauqua Offices of Psychotherapy and Evaluation was in the bathroom when the kidnapping occurred.
She was placed on administrative leave the day after the abduction.
DaMonica Rivas, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Children and Families said:
“Anytime that we are aware of a child being left unsupervised when supervision is ordered or required, we will conduct a review and appropriate actions with the contracted agency will be taken.”
A Facebook page has been established called “Bring Manny Home,” Pam Holster Flores is its administrator.
The original article by Tom McLaughlin on the nwfdailynews.com website can be found here
The alert for Emmanuel Menz can be read on the National Center for Misusing and Exploited Children website