Hundreds of thousands of parents’ lives have been thrown into chaos and devastation after losing their children, and sadly, many of them will never find out what happened to their loved ones.
This is why there is widespread astonishment this week over the news that a boy reported missing 13 years ago has been found safe and well.
Julian Hernandez, from Alabama, was just five years old when he was reported missing by his mother in 2002. The distraught woman was left fearing for the worst after authorities failed to locate her son, and the case went cold soon after.
As it happened, Julian had been living with his father in Cleveland under a false name, and it was only when he began applying for college places that suspicion arose.
A school counsellor raised the issue with local police after discovering that the teen’s social security number was wrong, and an investigation revealed the truth behind this 13-year missing persons case.
Hernandez’ father, Bobby, was arrested on Monday and is now facing unspecified charges. Bail for Mr Hernandez has been set at $255,000.
According to local media sources, Julian’s mother was ‘excited’ to hear the good news.
“She was glad to finally get closure and to know that he is still alive,” a police officer said.
