Mother, Eight Missing Children May Be In Lowcountry

A couple and eight missing children from New York may be in the Lowcountry, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcment Division.

Shanel Nadal, 28, is accused of taking her children from a Queens foster care facility after visiting with them Monday afternoon. The seven boys and one girl are all under 11. Nadal, who lost custody in 2009, may be travelling with the childrens' father, John Nephra Payne, 34.

Investigators believe that Nadal and Payne may be driving a late model black Ford passenger van, but they have no information on the tag number. Both Nadal and Payne have ties to the Lowcountry.

Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Callers may remain anonymous, and may be entitled to a cash reward.