Texas Man Abandoned 3-Year-Old in Woods

A missing 3-year-old was found in a wooded area, after being left there by his mother's boyfriend.

According to a report from KVUE, 27-year-old, Jesus Rochel left his girlfriend Vanessa Soto's 3-year-old son in the woods for what might have been over 30 hours. Rochel was arrested and charged with assault on a public servant and family violence, while Soto was also arrested and charged with injury to a child, child endangerment, and making a false report to a peace officer.

Jesus Rochel originally left with Soto's 3-year-old and 5-year-old around 6 PM on February 22nd, to a convenience store to purchase alcohol. Soto told the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office that Rochel had previously been drinking and using methamphetamines that day. Later that evening Rochel called Soto to tell her that he was trying to pick up drugs in Travis County.

On February 23rd, Rochel asked Soto to pick him up in Austin after allegedly crashing the vehicle from being chased by police. When Soto picked up Rochel, only the 5-year-old was with him. Soto told police that Rochel intentionally left the 3-year-old in the woods because he would not stop crying.

Rochel and Soto returned to their home in Dale with the 5-year-old child and then used narcotics until falling asleep.

Finally, on February 24th at approximately 3 AM, the 3-year-old was reported missing. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office requested assistance looking for the child from the Austin Police Department, as well as the Texas Rangers. After discovering the license plate for the car Rochel was driving, APD searched the area from where the car was towed.

The APD located the child around 3 PM and the boy was then taken to Dell Children's Medical Center for evaluation.

Currently the Caldwell County Sheriff's office is further investigating the case.