Authorities in Massachusetts have issued an Amber Alert for a two-year-old girl, Eleanor “Ellie” Johnson, who was abducted from her Stoughton home by her father, Robert Johnson. The kidnapping occurred at approximately 3:00 AM on Tuesday, September 6, 2023. Police believe Johnson may have attempted to flee the state and is considered armed and dangerous.
“We urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” said Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara. “Ellie is a young and vulnerable child, and we are doing everything in our power to find her safely.”
Neighbors reported hearing a loud argument coming from the Johnson home prior to the kidnapping. “It sounded like a fight,” said one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “There was yelling and screaming, and then it just stopped.”
Robert Johnson and Eleanor’s mother, Sarah Wilson, were involved in a bitter custody dispute. Johnson had a history of domestic abuse and had been ordered by the court to have no contact with Eleanor. However, he breached this order and took the child without permission.
The kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the Stoughton community. “This is a terrible tragedy,” said Mayor Thomas Recupero. “Our prayers are with Eleanor and her family.”
Psychologists warn that parental kidnapping can have devastating long-term effects on the child. “Ellie may experience trauma, attachment issues, and difficulties forming relationships in the future,” said Dr. Jennifer Collins, a child psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital.
The Amber Alert remains active, and law enforcement is actively searching for Eleanor and Johnson. The FBI has been called in to assist with the investigation. Authorities are urging the public to contact 911 if they see anything suspicious or have any information about the case.
The case is a reminder of the importance of domestic violence prevention and the need to protect children from harm. It also highlights the challenges and complexities of the family court system in handling custody disputes involving individuals with histories of violence.
