Mark Murray, City Marshal
4 Green St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Update* Missing Newburyport Infant Located, Juvenile Still Missing
NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray reports that the 4-month-old infant who went missing with his mother yesterday has been located.
On Monday, April 23, Shantel Van Voorhis, age 15, and her son, Jacob Van Voorhis, 4 months old, were reported missing after they left DARE Family Services in Newburyport, where they were both residing.
Around 2 p.m. today, the Newburyport Police Department received a call from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in Worcester, which reported that they have custody of Jacob. Shantel returned Jacob to family members earlier today, who proceeded to contact DCF. The infant will be transported to an area hospital for an evaluation.
Shantel is still missing. She has ties to Holyoke and Springfield and police believe she is in that area.
“We’re thankful that Jacob is safe and that the family members did the right thing by contacting DCF upon his return,” Marshal Murray said. “We are still actively looking for Shantel and are looking for any information in connection to her whereabouts.”
If anyone sees Shantel, please contact the Newburyport Police Department at 978-462-4411 or dial 911.
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