This Missing Teen And Her Abductor May Be In Mexico
This Missing Teen And Her Abductor May Be In Mexico
15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas has now been missing for two weeks, but authorities think her kidnapper, former teacher Tad Cummins may have taken her into Mexico. Find out more here.
15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas has now been missing for two weeks, but authorities think her kidnapper, former teacher Tad Cummins may have taken her into Mexico. Find out more here.
On March 13, 2017, an Amber Alert was issued for 15-year-old Tennessee student Elizabeth Thomas who is now suspected of having been kidnapped by former teacher Tad Cummins and may now be in Mexico, two weeks later.
According to police investigations, the two exchanged a series of emails then saved as drafts expressing romantic interest in one another and were seen kissing in Cummins' classroom in January, but both denied the claim. Cummins reportedly led students to believe he had a past career in the FBI and the CIA, creating a romanticized element of mystery to his persona which may have led Thomas to develop feelings for him, which he then began to take advantage of, ultimately kidnapping her. He also is reported to have searched teen marriage laws online, particularly in regard to the age of consent.
According to authorities, he gave himself a 24 hour headstart in the kidnapping, more than enough time to get to Mexico, where he could be posing as a missionary. Police say that he has worked as a missionary before and could easily appear to fill that role. Tennesseean Maury County's District Attorney Brent Cooper cautions people to not characterize their relationship as a romance, even if they appear to be enjoying themselves. It's still very much an illegal manipulation of a minor.
She may not realize she's in danger. She may not realize she's been taken against her will. If you see them and they look happy, that doesn't matter. This is a serious crime.
Brent Cooper
ABC News, March 28, 2017
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Cummins is about 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds. He may be driving a 2015 silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee license plate number 976-ZPT. If you see a car with this license plate number, please call 911. Elizabeth is about 5 feet tall. She was last seen wearing leggings and a flannel shirt. If you have any information that might help investigators, you can call 1-800-TBI-FIND.