A New Hampshire woman reportedly took to Facebook Tuesday desperately asking for help locating her three grandchildren who were allegedly taken by her daughter and boyfriend ahead of a court date.
Anita Austin, 49, of Madbury, claimed her daughter, Kaitlyn Lee, her daughter’s boyfriend, Michael Williams, and her grandchildren, Lilly Waniski, 10, Kaylee Durant, 8, and Avarie Williams, 2, haven’t been heard from since the couple skipped a court hearing Tuesday at Carroll County Superior Court in Maryland. Michael is the biological father of Avarie.
In her post, Austin claimed she’s had guardianship of her grandchildren since September 10. The concerned grandmother described her daughter and her boyfriend as “armed and dangerous” and alleged the pair had warrants for their arrest.
County Attorney Michaela Andruzzi issued a statement to Foster’s Daily Democrat confirming that her office “is aware of the situation involving Michael Williams and Kaitlyn Lee.” Andruzzi said there are multiple “outstanding” civil orders in family court.
Authorities declined to confirm whether the children are in danger but told the outlet that the couple was the focus of an investigation. Carroll County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Mike Santuccio said it’s too early to tell whether an AMBER Alert would be issued, noting that the decision is up to the state.
Speaking with the Daily Democrat, Austin said the girls most recently lived in Tamworth, New Hampshire, but had previously resided in Rochester, New Hampshire. The family also has ties to Dover, New Hampshire, and to Kittery and Lebanon, both in Maine.
The county attorney said anyone with information regarding their whereabouts can call the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department at (603) 539-2284.
Update/ clarification I was granted gaurdianship 9/10/18 and they have been missing since . This posting is in regards…
Posted by Anita Austin on Tuesday, October 23, 2018
[Featured image: Lilly Waniski, Kaylee Durant, and Avarie Williams (left to right)/Facebook]
