AP (NEW)

Texas man reported missing in 2015 was home the whole time, police say

Jul 6, 2023, 2:15 PM

A missing poster for Rudolph "Rudy" Farias IV is shown during the Missing Person Day event at City ...

A missing poster for Rudolph "Rudy" Farias IV is shown during the Missing Person Day event at City Hall Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Houston. Farias, who went missing as a teenager in 2015 after last being seen walking his dogs in Houston has been found alive, his family and police said Monday, July 3, 2023. (TexasEquuSearch/Courtesy of Houston Chronicle via AP)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(TexasEquuSearch/Courtesy of Houston Chronicle via AP)

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas man who was reported missing as a teenager in 2015 ultimately returned home a day later but he and his mother deceived officers by giving false names over the ensuing eight years, police said Thursday.

Houston police detectives said prosecutors have declined to bring false report charges against Janie Santana and her son, Rudolph “Rudy” Farias IV, but that their investigation is continuing.

Missing three years, autistic teen found in Park City

The announcement came a week after police said they found Farias after receiving a call about a person lying on the ground in front of a southeast Houston church.

Authorities had not previously said where Farias, now 25, spent the eight years since he was reported missing after taking his two dogs for a walk near his family’s home in northeast Houston. He was hospitalized after police found him last week and detectives interviewed him and his mother on Wednesday.

“After investigators talked with him yesterday, it was discovered that Rudy returned home the following day on March 8, 2015,” Lt. Christopher Zamora said during a news conference. “The mother, Janie, continued to deceive police by remaining adamant that Rudy was still missing.”

After Farias was reported missing, Houston police and Texas Equusearch, a civilian search and recovery team, looked for him without success, although his dogs were later found.

In the years following, there were several possible sightings of Farias, according to a private investigator hired by the teen′s mother a few months after he went missing. They included one sighting in 2018 that police responded to, but the investigation remained open as a missing person case.

Upon police announcing they’d found her son, Santana released a statement saying, he “is receiving the care he needs to overcome his trauma, but at this time, he is nonverbal and not able to communicate with us.”

Police Chief Troy Finner declined Thursday to answer questions about the mental health of Farias or his mother and would not say what motivated their actions. He said police are “right at the beginning” of their investigation into what happened.

Police also said patrol officers responded to a burglary call Wednesday night at the family’s home and that it is now part of their investigation.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

AP (New)

A demonstrator waves Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin...

Associated Press

The Latest | Israel says 99% of drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted

Israel is hailing the success of its defenses after an attack by Iran involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

1 month ago

Former President Trump shown,, trump hush money trial started Monday...

Associated Press

Trump says Arizona’s abortion ban goes too far while defending the overturning of Roe v. Wade

Former President Trump said Arizona's abortion ban goes too far, but defended the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

1 month ago

Beverly Smith picks produce while grocery shopping at Ream's....

Associated Press

What stores are open on Easter Sunday 2024? See Walmart, Target, Costco hours

Need to make a last-minute trip to the store for more Easter eggs and candy? Make sure you know what stores are open and closed on Easter.

2 months ago

FILE - Joana Vicente attends the 2024 Sundance Film Festival's Opening Night Gala on Jan. 18, 2024,...

Lindsey Bahr AP Film Writer

Joana Vicente steps down as Sundance Institute CEO

Joana Vicente has been announced to be stepping down as the CEO of the Sundance Institute after taking the position two and a half years ago.

2 months ago

The price of chocolate is rising just in time for Easter due to crop damages in West Africa. (Stock...

Damian J. Troise

Rich cocoa prices hitting shoppers with bitter chocolate costs as Easter approaches

Cocoa prices are rising because the chocolate's plant crops have been damaged due to high heat temperatures in West Africa.

2 months ago

St. Patrick's Day is today! To celebrate, learn a little bit about the history, why American's cele...

Deepti Hajela

From 4-leaf clovers to some unexpected history, all you need to know about St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's day is today. To celebrate, read a little about the holiday's history, why American's celebrate it, and who St. Patrick was.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Texas man reported missing in 2015 was home the whole time, police say