The four Utah children who vanished after a Thanksgiving visit with their mother have been located at a state-run orphanage in Croatia, and the mother has been taken into custody. The case has drawn attention from U.S. and Croatian authorities and raised questions about international child custody and abduction.
At a Glance
- Four Utah children-Landon, 11; Levi Parker, 8; Hazel Raye, 7; and Jacob Kurt, 3-were found at a Croatian orphanage.
- Mother Elleshia Anne Seymour, 35, was arrested in Dubrovnik, about 400 miles from Zagreb.
- The case began with a welfare check on December 2, leading to a U.S. investigation and an international search.
- Why it matters: The situation highlights cross-border legal challenges in child abduction cases and the urgency of protecting vulnerable children.
Child Disappearance and Initial Investigation
On Thanksgiving, the four children spent time with their mother, Elleshia Anne Seymour, before she allegedly fled to Europe on a one-way flight on November 29, 2025. The disappearance was first uncovered during a welfare check on December 2, when West Jordan Police arrived at Seymour’s home and found it unoccupied and unlocked. The incident prompted a rapid response from local authorities and the FBI.
The police report noted that Seymour had shared custody with the fathers of her children and that she had expressed concerns about “biblical events” and the “end of times.” A former boyfriend told KSL Utah that Seymour had not discussed these beliefs during their marriage or after their divorce.
GoFundMe and Family Statements
Following the disappearance, Seymour’s ex-husband, Kendall Seymour, created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a search. He identified the children as Landon, Levi Parker, Hazel Raye, and Jacob Kurt. On January 25, Kendall posted an update that the children were “trapped” at a state-run orphanage. He also alleged that Seymour had left a note containing a delusional message from God promising she would be in Italy by Christmas, along with a to-do list that mentioned “shred paperwork, destroy identifying photos, throw away phone, purchase pre-paid phone.”
Kendall’s online pleas have drawn attention to the need for a thorough review of the case. He has also been seeking donations to cover travel costs while he remains in Croatia, hoping to secure the children’s return to the U.S.
Croatian Arrest and Orphanage Discovery
Elleshia Anne Seymour was arrested in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik on January 26. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest to DNEVNIK, a leading local news agency, and 24 Sata also reported the arrest, citing a statement from the ministry. The ministry did not name the woman in its statement, but the arrest was linked to a criminal case involving violation of a child’s rights.
The orphanage where the children were located is state-run, and it remains unclear whether the children have been removed from the facility. The Croatian Institute for Social Work has called for a comprehensive review of the case, emphasizing that “given the international element of the case, it is essential that the competent authorities of the United States of America conduct a review of all relevant facts and circumstances before making a decision to hand over the children to the father.”
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 29, 2025 | Seymour allegedly flees to Europe on a one-way flight |
| December 2 | Welfare check reveals empty home; case opened |
| January 25 | Kendall updates GoFundMe; children reported “trapped” |
| January 26 | Seymour arrested in Dubrovnik; children found in orphanage |
International Legal and Custody Issues
In Utah, Elleshia faces four counts of custodial interference, according to local authorities. The case was transferred to the FBI after the initial investigation, but both the FBI and West Jordan police declined to comment on the investigation. The case is now being passed to Croatian police, and it is not immediately clear whether the FBI remains involved.
Other entities-including Croatia’s foreign affairs office, the U.S. consulate in Croatia, and the Utah Department of Public Safety-have not yet responded to requests for comments. The situation underscores the complexity of cross-border custody disputes and the need for coordination between U.S. and foreign law-enforcement agencies.
Current Status and Next Steps
The current status of the children remains uncertain. While the Croatian Institute for Social Work has called for a thorough review, it is not yet known if the children have been removed from the orphanage. Kendall is continuing to raise funds on GoFundMe to cover travel expenses as he remains in Croatia, working to secure the children’s return.
U.S. officials have not yet announced a definitive plan for the children’s repatriation, and the case remains under investigation. The outcome will likely depend on the findings of the review conducted by U.S. authorities and the decisions of Croatian officials regarding the children’s welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Four Utah children were found at a Croatian orphanage after their mother fled to Europe.
- The mother was arrested in Dubrovnik on January 26.
- The case involves multiple U.S. and Croatian legal entities and raises international child custody challenges.
- The children’s removal from the orphanage and their eventual return to the U.S. remain uncertain.
Summary
The disappearance of Landon, Levi Parker, Hazel Raye, and Jacob Kurt has prompted a complex international investigation. With the mother arrested and the children located in a Croatian orphanage, U.S. authorities are awaiting further information to determine the next steps. The case remains a stark reminder of the difficulties involved in cross-border child abduction and custody disputes.
