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Search continues for boy allegedly abducted by mother

Vancouver police are continuing the search for nine-year-old Emerson Cusworth, who investigators believe has been abducted by his mother.
missing boy
Sgt. Jason Robillard addressing the media March 12. Police on Tuesday found nine-year-old Emerson Cusworth, who was allegedly abducted by his mother, 34-year-old Shawana Chaudhary, in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo Dan Toulgoet

Vancouver police are continuing the search for nine-year-old Emerson Cusworth, who investigators believe has been abducted by his mother.

Police believe the boy is with his mother, 34-year-old Shawana Chaudhary, after she allegedly abducted him contrary to a court imposed custody order.

Emerson’s father called police Friday after he went to pick up his son after school, as per his court ordered parenting time, but the boy was not there. The last confirmed sighting of Emerson was with his mother and sister on the morning of March 9.

missing boy
Police believe nine-year-old Emerson Cusworth has been abducted by his mother, 34-year-old Shawana Chaudhary.

Department spokesman Sgt. Jason Robillard said that Chaudhary, also known as Shawna, could also be using her old legal name, Virjinia Leeman.

“Investigators have information to believe that Emerson’s appearance could have changed and his hair may have been dyed,” he said. “Ms. Chaudhary may have also changed her appearance.”

missing boy
Police believe nine-year-old Emerson Cusworth has been abducted by his mother, 34-year-old Shawana Chaudhary.

Robillard said police don’t know yet where Chaudhary may have taken her children.

“We are appealing to anybody that might know that, or any travel plans,” he said. “We do have some leads that we’re following up actively as we speak. We’re appealing to anybody that may have information as to the whereabouts of any of those three to please call us.”

Robillard said the department has been in contact with police agencies not only around the Lower Mainland but across the country and in the U.S.

“We can spread information very quickly now as a police force and we have done so.”

Anyone with information about their whereabouts, recent activities, or travel plans, should call 911, investigators at 604-717-0601, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

@JessicaEKerr

jkerr@vancourier.com