The Grays Harbor Sheriff's Office on Tuesday asked for the public's help in finding a missing 5-year-old girl who law enforcement authorities suspect may have been the victim of foul play.
The parents of Oakley Carlson, who lives in a rural area just outside of Oakville, Wash., are considered persons of interest in connection with the girl's disappearance and were being held at the Grays Harbor County Jail, according to Undersheriff Brad Johansson.
Deputies say the girl’s parents Jordan Bowers, 32 and Andrew Carlson, 36, were both being held on suspicion of manslaughter. A judge set bail at $150,000, citing the severity of the allegations in the case.
“Based on the unusual circumstances of the missing child, not knowing her whereabouts and no one has seen her in several days and no one knows her condition, we felt that is in the best interest of the case,” said Johansson.
Investigators said it was not clear when the little girl was last seen, but on Monday a concerned citizen asked law enforcement officers to conduct a welfare check on Monday.
Johansson said the parents were located but they could not find the girl.
Deputies said the parents did not know where the child was, and neither could they provide reasonable explanation as to where she was.
“You can’t see a little girl like Oakley and not be emotionally involved in the case,” said Johansson. “We’re really concerned for her safety and her well-being and we just don’t know what that is at this point. We are definitely hoping and praying for the best outcome, but realistically we’re ready and fearing the worst as well.”
Deputies said initially the parents were charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer because they were not cooperating in the investigation and obstructing investigators.
No charges have been filed against the parents.
However, the judge gave prosecutors until Friday to review more evidence to decide if charges will be filed.
Deputies said the parents are known to them.
According to Bowers’ criminal background, she has been convicted of five felonies including drugs and theft.
Detectives are hoping they will have some answers about Oakley’s whereabouts by Friday.
“Until we can get a lot of those questions answered, we don’t have those answers ourselves,” said Johansson.
Parents of Grays Harbor County girl, 5, held after child goes missing, sheriff's
GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY--The Grays Harbor Sheriff's Office on Tuesday asked for the public's help in finding a missing 5-year-old girl who law enforcement authorities suspect may have been the victim of foul play. The parents of Oakley Carlson, who lives in a rural area just outside of Oakville...
Detectives consider the circumstances surrounding the child's disappearance suspicious.
Detectives and search and rescue workers are searching the home and property where Carlson lives. The investigation is in its initial stages.
Parents in custody after 5-year-old Grays Harbor County child goes missing
Detectives say the circumstances around the disappearance of Oakley Carlson, 5, are suspicious.
She looks like one mean bitch
