Police Search for Missing Child, Charge Mother with Cruelty

The mother of a toddler who has been missing since Thanksgiving is facing child cruelty charges after Columbia police say she gave misleading information on the whereabouts of her son. 

Zinah Demaris Jennings, is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a $150,000 surety bond.

Police are searching for 18-month-old Amir Jennings, who family members last saw with his mother during the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Family members originally filed a missing persons report for Zinah Jennings and Amir Jennings when they couldn't locate or get in touch with the two, Columbia police said. 

On Christmas Eve, Zinah Jennings was involved in a car accident on Millwood Avenue and Lady Street. The responding officer noticed that Jennings was considered a missing person. Police say that when Jennings was questioned about her son, she gave "false and inconsistent information." 

The Columbia Police Department encourages anyone who has seen Jennings and her son together since Thanksgiving to send a tip to Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or by texting TIPSC followed by the information to CRIMES (274637). 

Police also believe Jennings has ties to the Atlanta, Ga. and Charlotte, N.C. areas.