Police are searching for two children who went missing after their mother allegedly took them from their foster home in Los Angeles.
The siblings, two-year-old Derek Alejandro Rodriguez and ten-year-old Jaden Hernandez, are believed to have been taken from their South Virgil Avenue foster home early Thursday. Their mother, identified as Jackline Hernandez Torres, reportedly lured them outside.
The boys’ foster parents mentioned hearing the door open around 1:30 AM, but by the time they checked, the children were already gone.
Concerned about the possibility of the boys trying to reach their biological parents, the foster parents reported their worries to the authorities.
Later, the boys were located with Hernandez Torres near their Westlake home, but they have not been seen since, as per the police.
An Amber Alert for the missing children was issued around 10 AM on Thursday. The search is active, utilizing Air and K-9 units, with Hernandez Torres now regarded as a suspect.
Initially, police had provided details about a vehicle linked to her, but this information was later withdrawn in an updated alert.
Derek is described as Hispanic, standing about two feet tall and weighing around 20 pounds, last seen in a dark shirt and dark pants.
Jaden is reported to be four feet tall, weighing between 50-60 pounds, also Hispanic, with dark hair, brown eyes, last seen in similar dark attire.
Jackline Hernandez-Torres, the mother, is said to be 30 years old, standing five feet tall and weighing 120 pounds, with dark hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a brightly colored shirt and dark sweatpants.
It’s unclear why Hernandez Torres does not have custody of her children. Reports suggest she was spotted outside her Westlake home, but her current whereabouts are unknown.
