Wash. mom arrested after her missing 4-year-old son was found dead on the freeway

EVERETT, Wash. (TCD) -- A mother was taken into custody on suspicion of murder after her young son was found dead on the side of the freeway last week.

According to the Everett Police Department, a family member reported 4-year-old Ariel Garcia missing on Wednesday, March 27, saying he disappeared "under suspicious circumstances." Police, who said the boy might be in danger, began an extensive search for him in conjunction with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

Everett Police said Ariel Garcia’s mother, Janet Garcia, was initially arrested the same day for making false statements not long after the missing person report was filed. On March 28 just before 6 p.m., Everett Police learned Ariel Garcia’s body was found on Interstate 5 in Pierce County.

Officials did not issue an Amber Alert for his disappearance because his case did not meet the federally mandated standards for one. However, Washington State Patrol released an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory on March 28.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine Ariel Garcia’s cause and manner of death.

Detectives from the Everett Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit arrested Janet Garcia on March 29 on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree assault of a child.

The Everett Herald reports Ariel Garcia’s grandmother requested emergency guardianship of the child just days before he was found dead because Janet Garcia reportedly has a history of drug and alcohol abuse. The grandmother reportedly said Janet Garcia was "very violent and unpredictable," and she was concerned the woman "may harm me or try to run away with Ariel and harm him in the process" if she found out about the custody request.

A judge reportedly approved the grandmother’s request and granted her an emergency temporary restraining and guardianship order. Janet Garcia, however, did not show up in court.

The Columbian reports that on Wednesday, March 27, Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call from someone who said Janet Garcia was at their address and they did not want her there. She reportedly had blood on her shirt and shoes. Garcia allegedly claimed her son fell off the bed and hit his head, but the wait was too long at the local hospital.

Garcia allegedly claimed she left her son with a friend and traveled to Clark County to receive treatment for alcohol addiction.

Police reportedly noted she changed her story several times but maintained that her son hit his head.

Garcia is in custody at the Snohomish County Jail, where she is being held without bail.

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