The missing son of a woman found dead in an Orange County Econolodge has been found safe in California, deputies said.
BREAKING On @WFTV Haines City Police confirm 7 yo Donovan Carruthers found safe in California #WFTV6
— Angela Jacobs WFTV (@AngelaJacobsTV) June 27, 2017
Investigators said Donovan Carruthers, 7, was with Joseff Rhodes, 41.
Police said Rhodes has a criminal past that includes selling women for sex.
Police said Rhodes had family connections in Rialto, California.
Detectives were able to call Rhodes and he, along with Donovan, went to the police department.
Police said Donovan is in their possession, safe and sound, and are waiting for the California Child Services Department to decide what’s next for the child.
Donovan had last been seen June 18 in the 100th block of Verbena Street in Polk County.
RETWEET: Florida missing child alert issued for Polk County 7-year-old last seen June 18. He may be with this man https://t.co/kNIiCo7aA8 pic.twitter.com/BWLYYfIkUf
— ActionNewsJax (@ActionNewsJax) June 27, 2017
His mother was found dead on June 17 in a room in an Econolodge Inn and Suites on South Orange Blossom Trail.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office homicide investigation into 32-year-old Amber Carruthers’ death is still underway.
It's not clear how her death may be related to the child's disappearance.
Cox Media Group