A firm representing the family of a Jonesboro boy who's been missing since last year released a statement saying his mother is in a state of shock.
Hakima Ramzi called Clayton County Police on Dec. 10, telling officers she hadn't seen her 3-year-old son, Abdul-Ghani since Dec. 1. He was allegedly abducted by his father, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, Siraj said he was taking him to the park and never returned.
"For nine months, she worked with both local and federal authorities to try and find her son," M. Khurran Baig of The Baig Firm, said in a statement. "She is currently struggling to come to terms with the distinct possibility that, after all this time, Abdul-Ghani is now likely deceased."
READ: 'She's holding out hope that her son is still alive' | Clayton Co. Police talk about missing boy
PHOTOS: Father of missing boy arrested
Siraj and four others were arrested at a compound in New Mexico last week. Authoriites found 11 children there and charged the adults with 11 counts of child abuse. Abdul-Ghani, was not among them.
The Taos County Sheriff's Department later confirmed they found a child's remains on the grounds of the compound Monday, though they have not identified the remains yet. Authorities located them on Abdul-Ghani's 4th birthday.
Since then, court documents alleged Siraj was instructing at least one of the 11 children found on the compound "in the use of an assault rifle in preparation for future school shootings." All five people arrested at the compound appeared in court Wednesday and entered pleas of not guilty.
PHOTOS: New Mexico defendants appear in court
Ramzi filed for a divorce from Siraj in December, after her son went missing. Here's the full statement from Baig:
Ms. Ramzi is in a state of shock regarding the latest allegations against her estranged husband. She had no idea that her husband of 15 years could ever be capable of such horrible things. She feels a tremendous sense of sadness for the other children and their plight even as she is dealing with her own painful loss.
As you know, her son, Abdul-Ghani, has been missing since December of 2017, taken without her knowledge or consent by Mr. Ibn Wahaj. For nine months, she worked with both local and federal authorities to try and find her son. She is currently struggling to come to terms with the distinct possibility that, after all this time, Abdul-Ghani is now likely deceased. - -M. Khurram Baig , The Baig Firm
Interviews with some of the children indicate Abdul-Ghani died on the property and was buried there. However, officials said the remains of a child were found, but so far, have not been positively identified yet. The medical examination will need to be completed.
ADDITIONAL LINKS |
- Several missed opportunities in search for missing boy, dad captured in New Mexico
- Five people, including two Atlanta men, charged with 11 counts of child abuse in New Mexico
- Five people, including two Atlanta men, charged with 11 counts of child abuse in New Mexico
- Suspected Clayton County child abductor arrested at New Mexico compound
- Search continues for missing Jonesboro boy after father's arrest at New Mexico compound
