A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
In 2007, Richard “Ricky” Chekevedia, who was six years old at the time, went missing. His mother, Shannon Wilfong also went missing. The boy’s father, Michael, was severely affected by his son and wife’s disappearance. Despite being completely distraught, he decided to get the police involved…
A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
A Rocky Start
Michael and Shannon’s history begins years before Ricky was born. Even from the beginning of their relationship, things were quite rocky. Their tumultuous relationship resulted in a very on again, off again nature.
A Rocky Start
And Then There Were Three
Despite the fact that their relationship was quite rocky, Shannon became pregnant, and their son Ricky was born in 2002. Their arguments persisted after their son was born, and it seemed like things would never get better. Their fighting was the only thing that was consistent in their relationship.
And Then There Were Three
Making A Tough Decision
After Ricky was born, the couple realized that staying together was probably not the best idea. It was clear that they were not happy together. They decided to proceed with a legal custody arrangement in order to make sure their son would have a stable upbringing.
Making A Tough Decision
Joint Physical Vs. Joint Legal Custody
In the U.S., there are two types of custody: joint physical and joint legal. Joint legal custody gives both parents legal rights to make decisions regarding the child. Physical custody refers to the physical possession of the child being shared by the parents. Ricky’s parents needed to decide what was best for him.
Joint Physical Vs. Joint Legal Custody
The Arrangement
The couple knew that staying together was not a realistic option and would not provide a healthy environment for Ricky to grow up in. Therefore, they agreed on joint physical custody, meaning Ricky would spent half his time with his mother and the other half with his father.
The Arrangement
A Father’s Love
It was clear that Shannon loved her son very much, but Michael and Ricky had a special bond that was undeniable. The father and son duo always looked forward to spending time with one another and creating more memories together.
A Father’s Love
Michael Chekevdia
Michael Chekevdia was a high ranking officer in the U.S. Army when he met Ricky’s mother, Shannon. Shortly after Ricky was born, Michael was deployed to Iraq. Even though he was far away, Michael made sure to strengthen his bond with his son and make it clear to him that he loves and cares for him deeply.
Michael Chekevdia
Doing His Duty
After completing his oversea duties, Michael returned to the United States, excited to be able to finally spend more time with his son. However, he returned to find a very bitter Shannon, who made it difficult for him to see Ricky. She even decided to apply for full custody of their son.
Doing His Duty
Another Arrangement
Michael did not want to lose his son, and he decided to comply with whatever Shannon wanted. A court hearing was set in order to establish Michael’s visitation rights. However, Shannon did not show up. That’s when the unthinkable happened…
Another Arrangement
It Couldn’t Be True
Shannon and Ricky had completely disappeared. Michael was absolutely stunned and distraught. He could not accept the fact that his song was missing. Even though he knew that he could involve investigators, he was also aware of the fact that many missing children are never found again.
It Couldn’t Be True
Time Passed
Two stressful months went by, and nothing was heard from Shannon or Ricky. That’s when the local authorities declared them as missing. Michael felt utterly helpless. Where was Ricky? Would he ever see his beloved son again?
Time Passed
The Warrant
Due to the fact that Shannon missed the custody hearing and was missing, the authorities issued a warrant for her arrest. She was the main suspect in this case, as it was believed that she fled with Ricky in order to prevent Michael from getting visitation rights. However, there was no proof for this theory yet.
The Warrant
So Much Uncertainty
Michael was haunted by many unanswered questions. Why would Shannon go to such extreme lengths in order to keep Ricky our of his life? She knew that Ricky meant the world to him, so why would she do that?
So Much Uncertainty
A Ridiculous Accusation
As a part of the investigation, authorities began questioning anyone who was close to Shannon in order to try to figure out what was going on. They questioned Shannon’s mother, Diane Dobbs, who told the police that she thought Michael was an abusive father.
A Ridiculous Accusation
Possible Motive
Dobbs continued to say that she thought Shannon had run away in order to prevent Michael from getting physically abusive with his song again. She said that Shannon did not want her song to grow up with an abusive father, and she took matters into her own hands.
Possible Motive
A Smear Campaign
When Michael heard about Dobbs’ accusations, he was absolute stunned. He had never raised his hand on his son. However, Diane was not through with smearing Michael’s name through the mud. She began distributing flyers that claimed that Michael was an abusive father.
A Smear Campaign
Taking It Too Far
As if that weren’t enough, Diane went to Michael’s church and spread the rumors about his abusive behavior. It was hard to know what the truth actually was, but the story was getting messier and messier as time was passing. Michael was concerned that people would believe her lies.
Taking It Too Far
Strong Suspicions
Michael grew suspicious that Diane knew where Shannon and Ricky were but was covering up for her daughter. Two long years passed with no sign of the mother and son, but in 2009, an anonymous tip received by the police led authorities to Diane’s house.
Strong Suspicions
Strange Circumstances
The anonymous tip was a bit puzzling, since the authorities did previously search Diane’s home and did not find anything. So why was it that all of a sudden, an anonymous person decided to tip off the authorities?
Strange Circumstances
Following The Lead
In the initial investigation, the police searched Diane’s home but came out empty handed. However, the tip led them to a specific location in her home. The anonymous caller told the police to look for a specific dresser in an unusual spot. What the police found was unbelievable.
Following The Lead
An Amazing Discovery
The police rushed to Diane’s home, found the dresser, and moved it aside. They immediately found a small opening that led to a crawl space. Shining a light in the space in the wall, police were shocked to find Shannon cowering in a corner with Ricky at her side.
An Amazing Discovery
The Search Was Over
After two agonizing years, Michael was overjoyed to find out that his son was alive. He could not wait to be reunited with his only son, but he couldn’t help but wonder what state he would be in. Now that the search was over, it was time to get some answers.
The Search Was Over
Freedom At Last
At first, the authorities that found Ricky and his mother were unsure of how the boy would react after being released from his confinement. However, Ricky immediately began running around and relishing his newfound freedom after his two years of hiding out.
Freedom At Last
A Sad State
The Sergeant assigned to the case, Stan Diggs, shared what he saw on the scene after they found Ricky and they “…let him out of the car and he ran around like he’d never seen the outdoors. It was actually very sad.” A child should never be confined like this.
A Sad State
A Heartbreaking Sight
All the officers who were at the scene said that seeing the little boy running around the room was absolutely heartbreaking. It was unfathomable to think that this young boy was trapped in hiding for two whole years of his young life.
A Heartbreaking Sight
Michael’s Extreme Shock
After so much time passing without any news, Michael began losing hope. After Ricky was found he said: “I was skeptical at best that something might happen. When they notified me that they had found him, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather.”
Michael’s Extreme Shock
Right Under His Nose
Once Michael got over the initial shock and joy of hearing that his son was found, Michael had another realization. When Ricky was found, he was a mere three miles away from Michael’s home. He could not believe that this whole time, Ricky was hidden so close to him.
Right Under His Nose
Facing The Charges
Shannon, along with her mother Diane, was immediately arrested. Shannon was then charged with felony child abduction, and her mother was charged with aiding and abetting. The smear campaign then made sense, as it was clear that Diane was covering for her daughter.
Facing The Charges
More Lies
Once Diane was released on bail, she told the authorities that Ricky was not confined to the small hole the whole time. She claimed that he was only there for about five minutes and that throughout the two years, the boy was free to roam around the whole house.
More Lies
Grasping At Straws
Diane came up with many lies in order to try to reduce the severity of the charges against her and her daughter. She claimed that they had homeschooled Ricky and that he had had a normal life during those two years. It was futile, as nobody believed her and it was clear that Ricky was very traumatized.
Grasping At Straws
A Deal
Once Ricky’s mother and grandmother were arrested, the two decided to plead guilty in order to receive a reduced sentence. Shannon then admitted to everything and shared that she did lock him in the small room when people came to the house and that she only let him out of the house at night.
A Deal
Their Punishment
Shannon was given a month in prison as well as two years of probation. She also had to pay a $1500 fine. Additionally, he mother Diane was given a credit for the 12 days that she was in jail for and also had to pay a find of $1000.
Their Punishment
The Story Continues
It was later discovered and confirmed that Ricky was not given any education or healthcare whatsoever during his two years of confinement. He had zero interactions with other children or any other people apart from his mother and grandmother. Before he could be reunited with his father, he was put in extensive therapy sessions.
The Story Continues
A Television Appearance
As if it was all not enough, Diane then decided to go on a TV show in order to share her twisted side of the story, which was largely untrue. The truth was slowly coming out, and Michael was finally exonerated when it was confirmed that he had never been abusive towards Ricky.
A Television Appearance
Another Investigation
Despite the fact that Shannon and Diane were arrested, the authorities still had to look into the accusations against Michael, just in case. Even though the accusations seemed unlikely, authorities had to ensure that Ricky was going back to a safe environment.
Another Investigation
No Evidence
Michael had to patiently wait for the investigation to be over before he could see his song again. A thorough investigation was conducted by Child Welfare, and no evidence of abuse was found in order to support Diane’s accusations. They concluded that the allegations were not true.
No Evidence
Bizarre Series Of Events
Michael was relieved that the truth was out there and that he did not need to fight these horrific accusations anymore. Now, the general public saw him as a victim as well. Despite all of this, Michael could only focus on his joy knowing that his son was alive.
Bizarre Series Of Events
Extreme Conditions
Family Institute at Northwestern University psychologist Jay Lebow told CNN that “sometimes children involved in custody disputes are taught to hate their father or mother, and ‘extreme tactics’ may be used, although usually not to the extent of hiding a child in crawl spaces.”
Extreme Conditions
Got Off Easy?
Shannon had to pay for her crime of felony child abduction. However, many people believed that two years probation and a small fine were simply not enough and that she had gotten off quite easy for what she had done.
Got Off Easy?
His Mother’s Pleas
During the hearing, Shannon begged the court to give her access to Ricky again. The judge promptly refused. Shannon spent a large majority of the hours-long hearing sobbing and exclaiming repeatedly that she had not done anything wrong.
His Mother’s Pleas
Her Argument
It sounded like Shannon was not aware of the severity of what she had done to her song. During the hearing, Shannon stated: “You’re making me sound bad. It was not like that at all.” The mother was completely unaware of the magnitude of the trauma that Ricky had experienced.
Her Argument
He Needed Counseling
Following two years of confinement and not seeing any other people, it was clear that Ricky needed professional intervention. The state initially kept custody of him in order to make sure he received adequate care and therapy before returning him to his father.
He Needed Counseling
The Care He Was Given
In cases such as these, professional care is of utmost importance in order to ensure victims get back on track. Otherwise, victims like Ricky then may have to deal with declining mental health. Even though it may seem cruel not to return Ricky to Michael immediately, this was ultimately the right thing to do to make sure Ricky was transition back to normal life.
The Care He Was Given
No Longer Apart
After this whole ordeal, Michael finally got full custody of his son. He decided to retire from his military duties in order to have as much time as possible with Ricky. He became a full time father, and he did not want to waste a single minute with his son.
No Longer Apart
Picking Up The Pieces
Michael knew that his son had gone through a great deal, and he was prepared to do whatever it took to help Ricky transition back to the outside world and return to a normal life. He was not sure if the trauma would be too much, but he was fully prepared to dedicate everything for his son.
Picking Up The Pieces
The Need For Therapy
It’s only natural that a victim of such abuse will need to spend a great deal of time in therapy in order to begin to heal. Ricky attended sessions in order to make sure that he was stable enough to return to his father.
The Need For Therapy
Starting Afresh
Many assumed and worried that it would take Ricky years before he could trust people again. Luckily, Ricky was able to bounce back relatively quickly, and his confinement did not change his behavior. He remained the same talkative, energetic, and bright boy he was before the ordeal.
Starting Afresh
What A Relief
Needless to say, Michael was very relieved that this whole story was behind him and that his son was returned to him, which was his best case scenario. He undeniably went through horrifically tough times over those two years, but he was looking forward to picking up where they had left off.
What A Relief
An Unbreakable Bond
Even though Michael and Ricky were apart for two years, their bond was so strong that they could resume things as they were before. In fact, they had now become closer than ever before. Luckily, Michael knew that his relationship with Ricky was safe and that Shannon was out of his life for good.
An Unbreakable Bond
A Normal Life
Michael and Ricky were able to get through this traumatic ordeal and now live a happy and normal life. Although Michael retired from the army, he is still serving his country by working at the Illinois Department of COrrections.
A Normal Life
Making Progress
There is no doubt that Ricky endured a very traumatic experience and will likely cope with it for the rest of his life, Michael assured the public that he was making progress and moving on. He said that he was becoming “an outstanding young man” and his confidence is “growing by leaps and bounds.”
Making Progress
A Full Life
Since the whole ordeal, Michael has remarried and he lives a full life with his family. Ricky has taken up swimming and is an avid rock climber. They remained in Illinois despite the whole ordeal, but that it where they feel most at home.
A Full Life
Not The Only Case
Sadly, Ricky’s is not the only case when it comes to stories about parents hiding their children. A Minnesota mother was accused of abducting her two daughters and keeping them hidden away from their father for two years.
Not The Only Case
A Strange Story
In 2013, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki’s two daughters were reportedly missing after running away from home. In reality, Grazzini-Rucki had driven the girls to her friend’s horse ranch, where the girls were hidden away for two years.
A Strange Story
Who Was At Fault?
Once the girls were finally found, it was discovered that the girls had reported that their father was abusive even before they ran away. Despite this, once experts became involved, the judge in this case was convinced that their mother had brainwashed the daughters.
Who Was At Fault?
The Accused
Grazzini-Rucki was found guilty of six counts of felony deprivation of parental rights. The friend who allowed Grazzini-Rucki to keep the girls at their horse ranch were also facing charges of. a felony of deprivation of parental rights.
The Accused
The Return
After the ordeal, the girls’ father was given full custody of their daughters. On his wife’s behavior, he remarked: “Sandy no longer understands what it means to be a parent, and therefore I don’t think she understands what she’s taken from me, or more importantly, my children.”
The Return
The Judge’s Remarks
The judge dealing with this case shared that she was “deeply affected” by the father’s statements. She explained: “He described the defendant’s actions as annihilation of a family. Truer words have never been spoken.”
The Judge’s Remarks
Similar Story
Much like Ricky’s mother Shannon, Grazzini-Rucki defended her actions and said: “Now I’m paying the price for doing what any loving parent would do for their children, protect them from harm.”
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