A routine supervised visit took a disturbing turn when two young children disappeared, leaving both officials and the community in a state of alarm.
In a shocking event that has deeply unsettled the community, siblings Willow and Wyman Bryant were reportedly abducted by their biological parents during a supervised visit on August 14, 2024. The parents, Tiffany Bryant and David Walker James, are now on the run, prompting law enforcement to launch an intensive search for the missing children.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that the abduction occurred during a supervised visit with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in South Los Angeles. Tiffany, 39, and David, 53, allegedly seized the opportunity to sneak Wyman, 4, and Willow, 2, out through an emergency exit at around 3:10 p.m. on August 14. They left behind their youngest child, a 15-month-old baby, who remains in foster care.
The Bryant children have been living with a foster family since last year after their youngest sibling tested positive for drugs at birth, leading to concerns about the parents’ ability to provide a safe and stable environment. This recent abduction marks the second time the parents have taken the children unlawfully; the first incident occurred last summer after the birth of their third child. Although Tiffany and David were eventually found two months later, they were still granted supervised visitation rights.
According to the Amber Alert issued by the California Highway Patrol, Wyman is described as a four-year-old white male with blonde hair and blue eyes, standing 3 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 34 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, pink shorts, and pink shoes. Willow, a two-year-old white female, has blonde hair and blue eyes, stands 2 feet tall, and weighs 20 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and gray shorts. The parents were last seen driving a champagne-colored 2008 Buick Enclave with paper license plates.
Nina Glass, director of the nonprofit Search & Rescue San Antonio, Inc., has been collaborating with the foster family and provided insights into the parents’ lifestyle. “They are the type of people that can live off the grid, if that makes sense,” she stated. She added that Tiffany and David are likely to be found in remote areas such as state parks, RV parks, and truck stops, as they are known to live a nomadic lifestyle without a permanent address.
Nina further emphasized the complexity of the search, explaining that this is a nationwide effort where everyone needs to be on the lookout for the family. Tiffany’s social media provides some insight into her lifestyle and personality, with posts that starkly contrast with her recent actions. One post from October 2021 condemned child trafficking and abduction, highlighting a troubling contradiction between her words and her current situation. Other posts depict a nomadic lifestyle, showing Tiffany engaging in activities like hiking and living in remote areas, which aligns with the concerns about the family hiding in secluded locations.
Since the abduction, law enforcement has been conducting a widespread search for Willow and Wyman. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued an Amber Alert on August 19, urging the public to be vigilant. Despite these efforts, the family has not been seen since the day of the abduction, and authorities are asking for continued public awareness and involvement.
The foster family, along with volunteers from nonprofit organizations like Search & Rescue San Antonio, are working tirelessly to spread awareness of the case. Daily bulletins are shared on social media to keep the public informed and engaged in the search. “For anyone out in the world who might come across them, we want to make sure they know what they look like,” Nina emphasized, underscoring the need for ongoing public vigilance.
The case has sparked a strong response on social media, with many expressing disbelief and concern about the situation. Jennifer Coffindaffer, a retired FBI agent, expressed shock on X, while Carol Erskine, a retired judge, pointed out that incidents like this raise concerns about the safety of supervised visits. Others have echoed these concerns, questioning the level of oversight provided during such visits.
The decision of the parents to leave behind their youngest child has also drawn significant criticism. Social media users have voiced their disapproval, labeling the parents’ actions as irresponsible and highlighting the reasons why the children were removed from their custody in the first place. The news of Willow and Wyman’s disappearance has deeply impacted the community, prompting an outpouring of support and prayers for their safe return.
On August 22, a post about the missing siblings was shared on Facebook, receiving an overwhelming response. Many readers have expressed their concern, asking for updates and offering prayers for the children’s safe return.
Authorities have expressed deep concern for the children’s well-being, urging anyone with information to come forward. The search for the Bryant siblings continues, and authorities stress the importance of community involvement in locating them. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the children or their parents is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers. The public’s assistance could be crucial in ensuring the safe return of Willow and Wyman.
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