Authorities continue to search for a couple who reportedly abducted their toddler child who was scheduled to be removed from the South Carolina home two days prior.
WKRD reports that Jessica Louise Ray, 36, and William Eugene Ray, 43, are wanted for the abduction of their 2-year-old daughter, Dakota, after they reportedly took the little girl from the Kershaw County Department of Social Services (DDS) on April 16.
Dakota’s uncle, Johnny Lynn Ray, had temporary custody of the girl, but apparently William Ray talked the uncle into taking him and Dakota to DDS to work out a plan for the parents to get the child back. The uncle dropped William Ray and Dakota off at DDS, then went to pick up some food. When he returned, the suspect had left with the child.
#MISSING Police searching for missing toddler and father. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children says they are helping the Camden Police Department in #SouthCarolina find Dakota Ray. https://t.co/ezAuXzlPvb
— NCMEC (@MissingKids) April 20, 2018
The following day, a witness spotted the suspect at a North Carolina gas station but he fled before authorities caught up to him. Police announced on Monday that William Ray may have connections in North Dakota, North Carolina, and Ohio.
According to authorities, William Ray could be driving a stolen 1996 Ford Aerostar van. The van was reported stolen while parked in a lot off of Bramblewood Plantation Road. William Ray is likely traveling with Dakota and his wife. The van has South Carolina license plate number LMU 173.
Although police say they have no reason to believe Dakota is in any immediate danger, Camden Police Chief Joe Floyd indicated that both parents are “heavy into meth,” according to WISTV.
2-year-old Dakota Ray is STILL #MISSINGThe two parents, Jessica Louise Ray and William Eugene Ray, are believed to…
Posted by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on Monday, April 23, 2018
Williams Ray stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighs around 340 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. Jessica Ray stands 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs around 112 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. Dakota weighs around 25 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information about the couple’s whereabout should contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
[Feature Photo: Dakota Ray/Police Handout]
