Missing Fall River toddler recovered in Alabama

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A one-year-old child missing from Fall River since June 20 has been located in Alabama, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Genezza Packett visited her one-year-old son in the custody of her aunt on June 20.

Packett told her aunt she would take her son to a local Dunkin’ and then return to the apartment.

After several hours, Fall River police were notified that Packett and the child had not returned, and that the child could be in danger.

Fall River detectives requested an Amber Alert through the Commonwealth Watch Center because Packet is not the child’s legal custodian and had five active felony warrants against her.

The Amber Alert coordinator determined the case did not warrant an Amber Alert.

Packett’s cell phone was located in the early hours of June 21 on Route 81 in Virginia.

Packett’s family members notified police that she might be traveling to family in Mississippi and Virginia State Police were notified of Packett’s vehicle description.

The Fusion Center then distributed the Fall River police bulletin to every state partner from Massachusetts to Mississippi through the Homeland Security Information Network Exchange.

Fall River police detectives then coordinated with Alabama authorities who confirmed through cell phone data that Packett was traveling through Alabama on Interstate 59.

The vehicle and Packett were quickly located by State Highway Patrol and the child was found safe.