SUV Connected With Missing NC Toddler Found Abandoned in Virginia

Police in Virginia say they’ve found an abandoned SUV connected to a missing North Carolina toddler but so far no signs of the 3-year-old girl her her mother, who is believed to have abducted her.

Samalea Daniels’ father reported her missing on June 20, saying the girl was taken from his home by her mother, Tianna Daniels, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

Jalen Davis, the father, had been going through the court systems in both North Carolina and Virginia to establish legal custody of the toddler, who had been with him for two years, WSOC reported. Daniels left with the girl on the day a court finally approved the custody.

Last week, Virginia Beach police provided a description of a vehicle Daniels was believed to be driving, but on Saturday said they’d found that SUV abandoned.

Investigators said they have no evidence that Daniels is getting help while on the run.

So far, Virginia Beach police have released a missing persons alert for Samalea Daniels but say criminal charges against her mother are possible.

Police in Mecklenburg County in North Carolina closed the case there when they determined the girl wasn’t in their jurisdiction.

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[Featured image: Tianna and Samalea Daniels/Virginia Beach Police Department]