Authorities in the United States are pursuing an international search for a mother from Utah who allegedly abducted her four young children and fled to Europe, leaving behind what has been described as a 'delusional' note and a sinister to-do list.
The Alleged Abduction and International Flight
Elleshia Anne Seymour, 35, is accused of taking her four children to Salt Lake City International Airport in late November. From there, they boarded a one-way flight bound for Amsterdam before continuing their journey to Croatia, according to police reports. The children have been identified as Landon Hal Seymour, 10, Levi Parker Seymour, 8, Hazel Rae Seymour, 7, and Jacob Kurt Brady, 3.
The West Jordan Police Department conducted a welfare check at Seymour's home on 2 December after she had been uncontactable since 29 November. Officers found the door unlocked and the property empty. Police have since charged Seymour with four counts of custodial interference and removing a child from the state, which are third-degree felonies.
A Disturbing Note and 'Sinister' Instructions
The case took a more alarming turn with the discovery of a note allegedly left by Seymour. Kendall Seymour, the father of three of the children, detailed its contents on a GoFundMe page set up to fund the recovery mission.
"Elle forged passport documents for the kids, left behind a note dictating a delusional message from God promising her she would be in Italy by Christmas, and a to-do list that mentioned 'shred paperwork, destroy identifying photos, throw away phone, purchase pre-paid phone'," Kendall wrote.
Authorities further allege that Seymour had discussed forging passports and leaving the country with a former boyfriend. Airport security footage confirmed that Seymour and the four children boarded the flight. In a voicemail left for one of her ex-husbands, she reportedly stated she took the children because the "end times" were coming.
An International Search and Plea for Help
The Utah Department of Public Safety issued an endangered and missing advisory for the four children on 10 December. The FBI is now actively involved in the effort to locate the family and bring the children home.
Kendall Seymour emphasised the urgency of a personal recovery, citing advice from someone who had experienced being abandoned in a foreign country as a child. "This will minimise the trauma," he explained. "If we can be there to get them asap after mum is arrested, they will feel safer and will not suffer as much wondering what is going to happen to them, to their mum, and to their future."
He added a poignant hope: "My genuine hope is that the kids are found quickly, and we can pick them up while they still think they're on a vacation." Any excess funds from the fundraising campaign will be directed towards therapy for the children following their traumatic ordeal.
As of the latest reports, Elleshia Anne Seymour and the four children remain missing. The international investigation continues.
