Waiting for eight minutes may feel agitating….now imagine your eyes at the door for eight years! That’s how long Janie Santana held on to the hope that her son might knock on her door any day now.
And last week, the wait ended in a catharsis with one fortunate 911 call from a “good samaritan.” A mother is finally reunited with their son after eight long years. Yet, the wave of happiness has ripples of unanswered questions. Let us navigate through the eight years of a missing teen.
Who Is Rudy Farias?
Rudolph “Rudy” Farias IV, born on October 1, 1997, was studying in Houston, Texas. The small Hispanic family was quite close to each other, and Rudy considered his brother more like his best friend.
But in 2011, his little world shattered when his brother sadly died in a tragic motorcycle accident. Rudy struggled with grief and coming to terms with losing his best friend. Over the years, he was diagnosed with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. He also injured his right leg, thus walking with a slight limp.
On March 6, 2015, Rudy went out for his usual evening walk with his two dogs, wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt, grey cotton gloves, and brown shoes.
But later that evening, only one dog returned home without a leash. What happened on that day? Why did Rudy not return home?
What Happened to Rudy Farias?
March 6, 2015: Rudy did not return home at his usual time from the walk. The family got a bit worried initially, but they thought he might need some space to clear his mind. The worry grew into concern as time passed when the other dog returned without a leash late at night. Panic strikes in the Farias home because Rudy would never leave without a word. Ms. Santana told the outlet–
“He loves with all his heart, so that’s why we know that he wouldn’t just get up and leave on his own. That’s not him.”
“It’s a nightmare that you want to wake up from.”
The family reported him missing at Houston Police Department. He was last seen near Tidwell and Park Avenue in Houston around 6.30 pm.
After the initial investigation, the police reportedly told the family that 17-year-old Rudy might be abducted and sold for human drug trafficking.
After several years of investigation, there were no solid leads in this case. That is until September 2018, when police received a tip that Farias was spotted sleeping behind a family member’s residence. Police sprung into action since it was the most significant lead after three years. But after a thorough inspection, they found no traces or solid evidence that Rudy was there.
The family also hired a private investigator Brend Paradise to get more insight into the case. At that time, the investigation was stuck, pointing at Rudy might have left on his own accord because he was suffering from mental illness.
Missing Texas Student Found After 8 Years
On June 28, after eight distressing years, Rudy was found at a church about 8 miles from his Houston home. The Texas Center for the Missing issues a statement to TODAY.com–
“We are happy to confirm Rudy Farias IV was located in Houston last week after being missing for 8 years.”
“Currently, there are no details regarding Rudy’s case. However, we do know when a loved one goes missing; this is the day all families hope for and dream of — REUNIFICATION. We are thankful that Rudy has been found and receiving the care he needs.”
Rudy was found with cuts and bruises all over his body. He was also reportedly bleeding from his head. Janie Santana is grateful that her son has returned, but there is a glooming uncertainty of what could have possibly happened in such a long time.
Santana’s family statement reads–
“My son Rudy Farias IV was found on Thursday, June 29, after being missing for 8 years. Currently, we do not have any additional information on Rudy’s case.”
“What we do know is at the time of his recovery, a good Samaritan located him unresponsive and immediately called police and 911. My son Rudy is receiving the care he needs to overcome his trauma, but at this time, he is nonverbal and not able to communicate with us. We are asking for privacy during this difficult time but will share more details as Rudy continues to heal.”
Ms. Santana reported that Rudy is currently non-verbal and curled up in a fetal position. This suggests the possibility of abuse and trauma inflicted on the victim.
According to Psychology Today, assuming a fetal position is indicative of remembering an overwhelming event causing to protect the ventral side (belly). The patient was also disengaged with people around them to calm the brain’s response to recalling a tragic memory. In simple terms, the patient feels like they are punched in the stomach and responds by assuming this position.
Since there was also physical trauma all over his body, only the medical reports will reveal a fragment of what happened to Rudy. However, it is more critical for Rudy to recover fully from the emotional and physical ordeal.
The second most logical reason is an individual’s struggle with depression. There are missing cases among young adults who leave when they cannot cope with their mental instability. But they return after some time when they feel comfortable communicating their issue with their loved ones.
In most extreme cases, some people entirely erase their current identity and live a hermit life elsewhere. Japanese have coined the term “Jouhatsu,” or evaporated people.
There are also some theories (unproven) regarding his disappearance, as follows–
What are your thoughts on this case? Is it possible that Rudy went recluse, or is it eight long years of abuse?
Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.
