The family of a three-week-old newborn from Palmdale, California, who has been missing for more than two weeks, is in shock as the search takes a sad turn, with authorities now seeking a body. According to his grandma Sofia Paulo’s Facebook post, Baki Dewees, born on April 14, last saw in Palmdale on May 3.
Sofia conveyed her anguish on Sunday, saying, “I can’t even cry anymore.” I’ve been crying so much that I feel numb.” Both the mother and the infant’s father, Yuseff Dewees, are in prison in Utah on separate charges.
Sofia’s fiancรฉ, Brad Parke, who was present when the parents departed Palmdale, described the day: “They just left like normal. It was a routine day. Nothing unexpected occurred. He did not say anything. They were here. They took the Greyhound, and when he arrived at the bus station, he did not have the baby with him. That is a fact.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, authorities are investigating the boy’s abduction and suspecting his father. According to jail records obtained by the newspaper, authorities arrested the baby’s mother, Rosealani Gaoa, 25, in Ogden, Utah, on serious allegations of child abuse, including aggravated, intentional, and reckless mistreatment.
Baki’s family has now asked the baby’s father to furnish them with explanations. “I would like the father to be open and honest,” Brad told Eyewitness News, according to the Mirror US.
“I hope he will tell the truth because he has been giving us the runaround, so he is not telling the truth at all,” Sofia added. She also stated that she believes her grandson is still alive, despite Los Angeles police declaring their search for the boy’s remains. She said, “We truly believe he’s alive.” “I just don’t feel it in my spirit that he has left.”
Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department examined the Antelope Valley Landfill in Palmdale, California, earlier this week, a city just north of Los Angeles where Baki went missing and his extended family resides. ABC 7 Los Angeles eventually called off the search.
“Unfortunately, this began as a missing infant case and is now a death investigation,” Lt. Omar Comacho told The Los Angeles Times. The entire family was apparently living in Utah when family welfare officials took custody of one of Gaoa’s four children due to claims of child abuse against his mother, who was and remains in jail.
With Gaoa gone, Yusuf allegedly seized possession of the remaining children, including Baki, and traveled to Palmdale. Paulo paid a visit to Gaoa’s parents, including Paulo, and reportedly brought the infant with him. Baki, in contrast, was not with the 24-year-old when he returned to Ogden via Greyhound bus.
Police interviewed him while in Ogden on charges of obstruction of justice and making a false statement, according to records. On May 7, authorities detained him and jailed him without bail. Despite the authorities’ prognosis, Paulo is still hoping for her grandson’s safe homecoming. On Thursday, she announced a candlelight vigil for Saturday, saying, “Hello family and friends.” My grandson, Baki, has been missing since May 3rd.
“In memory of my wonderful grandson, my family and I will hold a lighted vigil at my home on May 18, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m.”We remain hopeful and pray for Baki’s safe return to us. If you would like to join us during this time, you are welcome to do so.”
Paulo, the boy’s great aunt, wrote in a separate post: “If anyone has any information about the disappearance of my great nephew, my family and I are anxious for your assistance.” Baki is only three weeks old. Please assist us in bringing Baki home to his grandmother, my sister Sofia Paulo.
Camacho revealed that authorities in California and Utah are currently “just trying to get closure for the family.” The investigation into the young lad’s disappearance is still underway, with homicide investigators asking anyone with information to contact them at 323-890-5500.