Advertisement

Missing girl, father found in Mexico

Share
From a Times Staff Writer

A 4-year-old and her father, who is accused of abducting her, were found Thursday in Mexico, authorities said.

Josahina and Jose Banuelos were in custody in Mexicali and were in good health, said Santa Ana Police Sgt. Lorenzo Carrillo.

Banuelos, 28, fled with Josahina from his Santa Ana home Sunday after fighting, at times violently, with his estranged wife over custody of the girl, Carrillo said.

Advertisement

The father’s departure with his daughter was in violation of a court order, authorities said. In the days before his capture, he had contacted family members to tell them that the girl was safe but that he was considering suicide, Carrillo said.

The girl was in the custody of Mexican social services, and arrangements were being made to return her to her mother in Corona.

The father was expected to be extradited to the United States, Carrillo said.

Advertisement