Houston, Texas , Houston police say the “miraculous” discovery of a man who disappeared more than 8 years ago is not what the public was led to believe.
“During the 8-year time frame where he was missing, investigators followed numerous leads and gathered evidence that Rudy was not missing,” Houston Police Lt. Christopher Zamora said at a press conference Thursday.
Investigators now say Rudy Farias returned home the day after his mother, Jenny Santana, filed a missing person report.
According to the Texas Center for the Missing, Rudy Farias, who was 17 at the time he was reported missing, was said to have been found in Houston on July 1, 2023.
Houston Police: “Missing” Person Used a False Name
Houston police say the “miraculous” discovery of a man who disappeared more than 8 years ago is not what the public was led to believe.
The original report stated that he disappeared while walking his dogs on 6 March 2015.
Authorities are now said to have located a 25-year-old man after receiving a report of a man lying on the ground in front of a southeast Houston church.
Lt. Zamora said, “She refused to be taken to the hospital. Her mother took her to the hospital later in the evening.”
Police said they visited the home several times over the course of 8 years, but both Farias and her mother gave false names and dates of birth to investigators in police interviews.
Houston man ‘missing’ for eight years was at home
Houston police say the “miraculous” discovery of Rudy Farias after his disappearance more than 8 years ago is not exactly what the public was led to believe. Police said they visited the home several times over the course of 8 years, but both Farias and her mother gave false names and dates of birth to investigators in police interviews.
“The mother, Jenny, continued to deceive the police by adamant that Rudy was still missing. She alleged that her nephew was someone friends and family saw coming and going. However, we dispute this.” Lt. Zamora.
Houston investigators say they spoke to Farias and her mother on Wednesday.
HPD says sexual abuse by Farias was not reported, but “we will continue to investigate if there are any disclosures.”
Houston Police Chief Troy Finer said, “We’ll see if the charges are fair, but let us investigate.”
Many questions about the details of the case could not be answered because the investigation is active and new leads are being received.
Lt. Zamora said, “Rudy is safe, he is with his mother of his own free will. He is a 25-year-old man.”
At this time, no charges have been filed.
Police say the Harris County District Attorney declined to file charges against Farias and his mother for making a false report to Houston police.
Houston police did not answer questions about the mental health of Farias or Santana.
It is not known at this time what the motivation may have been behind these actions.
Police also noted that a burglary was reported at the family’s home on Wednesday. He says that this is also a part of his investigation.