Missing 1-Year-Old Boy From MA Found After Multi-State Investigation

FALL RIVER, MA — A 1-year-old boy whose whereabouts were unknown for nearly a week has been found after an investigation that spanned multiple states, Massachusetts State Police said Wednesday.

The case unfolded Thursday morning after Genezza Packett, who was visiting her 1-year-old son living in her aunt's custody, told the aunt that she was taking her son to Dunkin' but never returned, police said.

Within hours, Fall River Police received a report that the pair never returned and the child could be in danger, according to police, which added that although Packett made no threats against her child, detectives feared for his safety because his mother is not his legal custodian.

In addition, Packett has five active felony warrants against her for "various, non-violent crimes," police said.

Shortly after midnight Friday, the Commonwealth Watch Center used location technology to locate Packett's cell phone on Route 81 in Virginia. After that, Packett's family told authorities that she may have been on her way to see other family in Mississippi.

After hours of communication between several law enforcement agencies, Fall River police detectives and the Alabama Fusion Center were able to confirm, that Packett and the child were traveling through Alabama on Interstate 59.

Soon, the Packett and the child were found safe.

"The success of this mission to secure a 1-year-old child in danger illustrates the importance of sharing actionable intelligence across local and state law enforcement," Massachusetts State Police said Wednesday. "The Massachusetts State Police commend our partners in Fall River, Virginia, and Alabama for their extraordinary coordination."