A woman has been arrested for killing her 12-year-old son before disappearing with her four-year-old and sparking a police alert.
Patricia Sylvester, 32, allegedly killed her son Esteban Sylvester, 12, and tried to kill her four-year-old son Rafael Sylvester in Shelbyville, in the US state of Tennessee.
The woman went missing after the victim’s father arrived home on Monday night to find Esteban unresponsive, according to the police.
The police said: “Residents nearby came to the aid of the father and called 911. Investigators desperately need to speak with the boy’s mother and a 4-year-old sibling.”
Shelbyville officers and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an endangered child alert before later announcing that the woman and her son had been found and were safe.
Shelbyville Deputy Chief Brian Crews said that Patricia Sylvester killed Esteban and tried to hurt Rafael.
He added: “We’re fortunate he’s still with us today.”
The defendant’s mother, who has not been named, expressed shock at the news that her daughter faces homicide and attempted homicide charges, saying: “His momma loved him.”
The Shelbyville Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday, 18th July: “Patricia and Rafael Sylvester have been found and they are safe! This is still an active investigation. More information will follow as it becomes available.”
They had previously said: “The Shelbyville Police Department is investigating the suspicious death of a 12-year-old boy found deceased within his residence on Barksdale Lane. On July 17th at approximately 9:50pm, the boy’s father arrived at the residence and discovered his son unresponsive. Residents nearby came to the aid of the father and called 911.
“Investigators desperately need to speak with the boy’s mother and a 4-year-old sibling. An endangered child alert has been issued for 4-year-old Rafael Sylvester. He is 3’3”, 40lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. There is no picture of the boy to share at this time.
“His mother, Patricia Sylvester, age 32, is 5’4”, 160lbs., with brown eyes/hair. Patricia may be traveling in a Dodge Caravan with TN plate 999-BCFM.
“If you spot Patricia or the van, call Shelbyville Police Department at 931-684-5811 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.” (sic)
It is currently unclear why Patricia Sylvester allegedly killed her son. The investigation is ongoing.
