Topline: The recovery of the children marks a positive resolution, but the investigation into the circumstances surrounding their abduction continues as authorities work to ensure justice for the young siblings.
Published: February 11, 2025 8:00 am ET
Must Read
Zachery Varcoe, left, and Leanna Varcoe (via Decatur Police Department)
CHEYENNE, WY – A missing children case in Alabama took a dramatic turn after the children were found safely in Wyoming.
The two children—Lily Gray, 9, and her younger brother Caden Gray, 5—who were abducted by their mother, Leanna Varcoe, on February 3, were found by police at the Sands Motel in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Earlier in the week, Decatur Police had been investigating a report of child abuse involving the Grays, and custody of the children had been temporarily transferred to a family member. On February 3, however, the children’s mother, Leanna Varcoe, removed them from the family home in Toney, Alabama, and fled with them.
It was later determined that Varcoe was potentially traveling with her husband, Zachery Varcoe, who also had outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Following a request from Decatur detectives, Cheyenne Police were able to track down the Varcoes. Upon arriving at the Sands Motel, officers confirmed the location of the suspect vehicle—a dark-colored Honda registered with Alabama plates—and made contact with the couple.
As police approached, both Leanna and Zachery surrendered without incident.
The two children were safely taken into protective custody.
Wyoming Child Protective Services (CPS) immediately assumed custody of the children and is coordinating with the Morgan County Department of Human Resources in Alabama to facilitate their return home.
Leanna and Zachery Varcoe, both facing felony warrants, were taken into custody by the Cheyenne Police Department. The couple is currently being held in the Laramie County Jail pending extradition to Morgan County, Alabama, where they will face charges related to child abuse and interference of custody.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Cheyenne Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for their prompt and effective assistance in bringing these children home safely,” said the Decatur Police Department in a statement.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to work on gathering additional information related to the circumstances surrounding the children’s abduction.
If you have any further information, please contact the Decatur Police Department at (256) 341-4638 or call 911.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Children Safely Located in Wyoming Following Abduction in Alabama
The recovery of the children marks a positive resolution, but the investigation into the circumstances surrounding their abduction continues as authorities work to ensure justice for the young siblings.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 11, 2025 8:00 am ET
Zachery Varcoe, left, and Leanna Varcoe (via Decatur Police Department)
CHEYENNE, WY – A missing children case in Alabama took a dramatic turn after the children were found safely in Wyoming.
The two children—Lily Gray, 9, and her younger brother Caden Gray, 5—who were abducted by their mother, Leanna Varcoe, on February 3, were found by police at the Sands Motel in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Earlier in the week, Decatur Police had been investigating a report of child abuse involving the Grays, and custody of the children had been temporarily transferred to a family member. On February 3, however, the children’s mother, Leanna Varcoe, removed them from the family home in Toney, Alabama, and fled with them.
It was later determined that Varcoe was potentially traveling with her husband, Zachery Varcoe, who also had outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Following a request from Decatur detectives, Cheyenne Police were able to track down the Varcoes. Upon arriving at the Sands Motel, officers confirmed the location of the suspect vehicle—a dark-colored Honda registered with Alabama plates—and made contact with the couple.
As police approached, both Leanna and Zachery surrendered without incident.
The two children were safely taken into protective custody.
Wyoming Child Protective Services (CPS) immediately assumed custody of the children and is coordinating with the Morgan County Department of Human Resources in Alabama to facilitate their return home.
Leanna and Zachery Varcoe, both facing felony warrants, were taken into custody by the Cheyenne Police Department. The couple is currently being held in the Laramie County Jail pending extradition to Morgan County, Alabama, where they will face charges related to child abuse and interference of custody.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Cheyenne Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for their prompt and effective assistance in bringing these children home safely,” said the Decatur Police Department in a statement.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to work on gathering additional information related to the circumstances surrounding the children’s abduction.
If you have any further information, please contact the Decatur Police Department at (256) 341-4638 or call 911.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Children Safely Located in Wyoming Following Abduction in Alabama
The recovery of the children marks a positive resolution, but the investigation into the circumstances surrounding their abduction continues as authorities work to ensure justice for the young siblings.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 11, 2025 8:00 am ET
Zachery Varcoe, left, and Leanna Varcoe (via Decatur Police Department)
CHEYENNE, WY – A missing children case in Alabama took a dramatic turn after the children were found safely in Wyoming.
The two children—Lily Gray, 9, and her younger brother Caden Gray, 5—who were abducted by their mother, Leanna Varcoe, on February 3, were found by police at the Sands Motel in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Earlier in the week, Decatur Police had been investigating a report of child abuse involving the Grays, and custody of the children had been temporarily transferred to a family member. On February 3, however, the children’s mother, Leanna Varcoe, removed them from the family home in Toney, Alabama, and fled with them.
It was later determined that Varcoe was potentially traveling with her husband, Zachery Varcoe, who also had outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Following a request from Decatur detectives, Cheyenne Police were able to track down the Varcoes. Upon arriving at the Sands Motel, officers confirmed the location of the suspect vehicle—a dark-colored Honda registered with Alabama plates—and made contact with the couple.
As police approached, both Leanna and Zachery surrendered without incident.
The two children were safely taken into protective custody.
Wyoming Child Protective Services (CPS) immediately assumed custody of the children and is coordinating with the Morgan County Department of Human Resources in Alabama to facilitate their return home.
Leanna and Zachery Varcoe, both facing felony warrants, were taken into custody by the Cheyenne Police Department. The couple is currently being held in the Laramie County Jail pending extradition to Morgan County, Alabama, where they will face charges related to child abuse and interference of custody.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Cheyenne Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for their prompt and effective assistance in bringing these children home safely,” said the Decatur Police Department in a statement.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to work on gathering additional information related to the circumstances surrounding the children’s abduction.
If you have any further information, please contact the Decatur Police Department at (256) 341-4638 or call 911.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
