Parents of missing teenager found after 8 years issue heartbreaking update

Ellen Fitzpatrick

He went missing in 2015.

The parents of a missing teenager who has been found after eight years have issued a heartbreaking update about his wellbeing, revealing that he is unable to communicate.

Rudolph “Rudy” Farias IV was discovered last week at a church eight miles away from his home in Houston, NBC News reported.

Farias was 17 years old when he went missing on the evening of March 6, 2015 after he went for a walk with his two dogs and never returned home.

The now 25-year-old was discovered outside the church and brought to hospital for checkup. The Texas Center for the Missing confirmed in a tweet: “After 8 long years, Rudy has been located safe. Please continue to keep his family in your prayers as Rudy recovers in the hospital.”

Update: 7/1/23– After 8 long years, Rudy has been located safe. Please continue to keep his family in your prayers as Rudy recovers in the hospital. https://t.co/AFqj9qvm9G

— TX Center 4 Missing (@TXCenter) July 2, 2023

In a statement to TODAY.com, they added: “We are happy to confirm Rudy Farias IV was located in Houston last week after being missing for 8 years.

“Currently, there are no details regarding Rudy’s case. However, we do know when a loved one goes missing, this is the day all families hope for and dream of — REUNIFICATION. We are thankful that Rudy has been found and receiving the care he needs.”

His mother Janie Santana has now said in a separate statement that her son is unable to communicate at the moment but she is hopeful the family will learn what happened to Rudy.

“My son Rudy Farias IV was found on Thursday, June 29th, after being missing for 8 years. Currently, we do not have any additional information on Rudy’s case,” Santana’s family statement reads.

“What we do know is at the time of his recovery, a good Samaritan located him unresponsive and immediately called police and 911. My son Rudy is receiving the care he needs to overcome his trauma, but at this time, he is nonverbal and not able to communicate with us. We are asking for privacy during this difficult time but will share more details as Rudy continues to heal.”

His mother also revealed to ABC 13 that prior to going missing, Rudy would always wear a necklace that belonged to his brother who died in a motorcycle crash in 2011.

When he was found, he was unresponsive and covered in cuts and bruises – but was still wearing the necklace.

Santana said that while he has not spoken more than a few words since being found, he keeps holding onto the chain and laying in a fetal position.