‘She was really protecting her child’: Aunt of girl missing for 2 years, found in R.I., speaks out

According to police, the mother did not have legal custody of the child at the time she was abducted.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –

After a two year long search, Jessica Van Daam, a mother from Florida now sits behind bars in Rhode Island after police say she fled with her then 5-year-old daughter in the middle of a custody battle. One week ago the two were located in Pawtucket.

But, there’s two sides to every story; which is why the suspect’s sister, Julia, is now speaking exclusively with ABC6 News.

“She was really on the run to protect her child,” Julia says, coming to the defense of her sister, saying she really had no other choice.*

After some concerned callers, Pawtucket police were able to identify and track down the mom and daughter at a home in Pawtucket. The two were just miles away from where the Van Daam sisters grew up in Providence.

“I actually had no idea they were here,” Julia says.

DCYF confirmed with ABC6 news on Friday that the 7-year-old has now been placed with the father out of state. Van Daam is now at the ACI awaiting extradition to Florida to face criminal charges.

“I can’t imagine not knowing where your child is… I hope this gets can turn around,” Van Daam says.

*For the allegations ABC6 is investigating into, we have blurred pictures of the child involved. We are also working to independently confirm accusations in this case. This is a developing story, check back for more details.