It might sound strange, but sometimes illegal acts are committed in order to protect someone in trouble. Breaking the law in almost any scenario is never advisable, but when it’s for someone’s well-being, it can be an understandable choice.
One man had made a good life for himself in a small rural town in Minnesota. However, when a police officer knocked on his door his entire world changed. Suddenly, the bizarre series of events that led up to the officer’s arrival started to unfold…
Michael Richard Landers lived with his grandparents in the small rural town of Long Prairie, Minnesota. However, when he was 24 years old, he was given news that changed his life.
Michael worked at an auto parts shop in a quiet town with a population of just 3,500 residents. Even though he lived at his grandparents’ house, he helped out with expenses as much as he could. But, his grandparents weren’t the only people relying on him to make a good living…
He also had a wife named Bobbie, too. He and Bobbie were together for quite some time, and now they were about to start another exciting chapter together.
Bobbie was pregnant with their first child! Michael already had two children from a previous relationship, but he was thrilled to start a family with Bobbie. However, this wasn’t the only new beginning they would face.
One afternoon, after Michael had returned home from work, he was helping his grandparents with some chores around the house, when suddenly, someone knocked on the door…
Standing on the front porch was a police officer named John Russell. Naturally, Michael was startled by the sudden presence of the cop. Officer Russell then proceeded to tell Michael some extremely unsettling news.
He told Michael the grandparents he had been living with for the last 19 years had actually kidnapped him from his actual parents in Indiana. Michael was dumbfounded.
According to Michael’s biological mother, who spoke to the officer, the grandparents took her five-year-old son out to a diner one morning for breakfast, and they never returned. But, why would they do such a thing?
Well, for starters, Michael’s parents were living out of a car at the time, and his grandparents were given temporary custody of their grandson while his mother and father tried to sort things out. But, that wasn’t the only reason for the grandparents’ actions.
Michael’s mother, Lisa, suffered from mild developmental disabilities. She eventually moved into a group home that didn’t accommodate children, and after she was released, she tried to regain custody. That’s when Michael vanished for nearly two decades. But, how did police eventually locate him after so much time?
While attending church some 19 years after her son disappeared, Lisa was discussing the details of the case with an Indiana State Police detective. The conversation prompted the detective to revisit the mystery.
After some research, the detective discovered there was someone living in Long Prairie with the same social security number and birthday as Michael. This immediately raised red flags…
They eventually tracked down Michael at his grandparents home in Little Prairie, Minnesota. When Michael’s parents were informed of the discovery, they were overwhelmed with emotion. Their son was found at last!
Michael’s father, naturally, was incredibly relieved by the news. Of course, he was hoping to completely rekindle a relationship with his son after so much time apart. But, how did Michael feel about everything? Was he angry his grandparents stole him away at such a young age?
After learning about his parents’ struggles, Michael knew his grandparents did the right thing, even though it was illegal. They broke the law to benefit their grandson’s well-being, and Michael was happy they did. So, what’s happened to Michael since the startling realization?
Well, he and Bobbie had their child together! Michael could not have been happier and more proud to welcome their son, Sam, into the world.
Look at how adorable Sam is! He has a contagious smile just like his father, and Michael and Bobbie plan on raising him in a loving and stable household. He doesn’t ever want Sam to go through what he did…
Now, Michael and Bobbie have a beautiful family, and they haven’t let the past hold them back. Michael loves being a dad, and he credits his skills in that area to the lessons he learned about parenting from his grandparents.
Michael never had any sour feelings towards his grandparents for what they did when he was five. As far as he was concerned, they always had his safety in mind, and they made a bold move to keep it that way.
What a wild turn of events! Sometimes people do things that may be illegal, but in the end, it’s because they feel they are protecting a loved one. What do you think? Were Michael’s grandparents’ actions justified?
Some people are sure to disagree with the grandparents’ actions, but at the end of the day, it was all for the safety of their grandson.
Share this found persons case with your friends below!