The mother and stepfather of a 12-year-old boy in Oklahoma, who’s been missing for over a week, have been arrested on charges of child abuse.
Ryan Davis, who also goes by RJ and Ryker, was last seen on Jan. 2 at the intersection of Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in Chickasha, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He was wearing a red-and-black plaid shirt, dark-colored jeans and brown steel-toe boots.
Authorities have since labeled his disappearance “suspicious” and have issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for the preteen.
Earlier this week, police announced the arrests of his mother Kimberly Cole, and stepfather, George Cole. They were both taken into custody late Wednesday night and jailed on counts including child abuse, child sexual abuse and conspiracy complaints, according to OSBI. They remained behind bars on Saturday at the Caddo County Jail.
“During the conversation with them, it was learned that there was apparent harm done to this child while he was living with these two parents,” OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said during a press briefing on Thursday.
McKee did not provide further details about what abuse Davis was subjected to, though he told reporters the boy’s home was “not a safe environment.”
“This is extremely sad,” McKee added. “This is a horrific case so far for everybody involved.”
The search for Davis is ongoing, with the OSBI offering a $5,000 reward for for anyone who can “confirm RJ’s location, leading to his safe return.”
At this point, authorities do believe Ryan “is alive,” so they’re “doing everything” they can to locate him, McKee said.
The 12-year-old is described as 4-foot-11 and weighing 85 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
