A South Florida mother was taken into custody at Miami International Airport (MIA) after she attempted to leave the state with her two young children, defying an existing custody order. The incident triggered a Missing Child Alert and concluded with the children being found safe and the arrest of the mother, identified as Shandrell Deon Willis, aged 36, as reported by local media.
The Start of the Ordeal in Homestead
The situation began early Monday morning in Homestead. The children's father, who has sole custody, returned home to find his residence ransacked and the children missing. He informed authorities that he had not permitted anyone to take them. The children, Ivy Mitchell, 6, and Devin Mitchell Jr., 10, were reported missing, prompting an immediate statewide alert for their recovery.
Details of Custody and Legal Orders
Significantly, a court order issued in February clearly stated that Willis was prohibited from coming within 500 feet of the father or the children, except during supervised visits of four hours every other Saturday, overseen by a paternal uncle. While it is clear the father holds full custody, specific reasons for Willis losing custody remain undisclosed. It is known, however, that she faces a charge for violating a restraining order related to domestic violence, which might be linked to her legal challenges.
The Airport Discovery
The investigation progressed swiftly. According to the arrest report, Willis entered the father's home between 5:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday, packed the children's clothes, and took them without permission, blatantly defying the custody order. The following day, Tuesday, Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office agents located Willis with the two children at Miami International Airport, accompanied by a third child from another relationship.
Willis and the children had spent the night in a hotel and were planning to fly to either Georgia or Texas. However, financial issues prevented them from purchasing the plane tickets, delaying their departure. While searching for a cheaper flight option, authorities apprehended them at the airport.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Willis was detained without incident around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Records show she faces several charges, including:
- Two counts of interfering with parental custody.
- Two counts of attempting to remove minors from the state.
- One count of violating a restraining order for domestic violence.
Upon her arrest, Willis was read her Miranda rights. Initially, she denied knowing of the court order but later admitted its validity. She refused to answer further questions and demanded an attorney. During her first court appearance on Wednesday, a public defender was assigned, and bail was set at $7,500. The judge also ordered her to stay away from the children and their father.
Although police reports initially described her as homeless, the hearing revealed she works as a domestic employee. Fortunately, the children were found in good health and returned to their father's custody. As for the third child, whose custody status remains unclear, authorities have not provided additional information.
Questions Surrounding the Case
What led to the mother's loss of custody?
The specific reasons for Shandrell Deon Willis losing custody have not been disclosed, but she faces charges related to violating a restraining order for domestic violence.
How were the children and the mother found?
The children and Willis were located at Miami International Airport after spending the night in a hotel and planning to fly out of the state.