A 3-year-old Tennessee girl has been found and her grandmother is now facing charges, according to officials.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reports that Belinda Wilson, 54, the grandmother of Zella Linklater, has been charged with child endangerment and custodial interference. Both Wilson and her granddaughter were found safe in the woods.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Zella’s mother went to Wilson’s house in Chuckey, Greene County, on Thanksgiving Day to pick the child up, but Wilson allegedly refused to return the little girl. Zella’s mother, who had recently gotten married, had just returned from her honeymoon when she went to retrieve her daughter.
Wilson was reportedly concerned over COVID-19 issues, and got into her car and drove away with Zella. The child’s mother followed them. Wilson then stopped and exited her car, and fled into a remote wooded area with her granddaughter.
Search crews found the pair on Friday.
UPDATE: Very good news to share! Zella Linklater has been found safe. She and her grandmother, Belinda Wilson, were located in the woods. pic.twitter.com/JV0tlmh8Hv
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) November 27, 2020
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Zella Linklater/TBI]