7-Year-Old Boy Subjected to Abuse and Neglect by Machuo and Refalopei

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Vancouver Police Respond to Disturbing Incident of Child Abuse and Neglect

Vancouver, June 14, 2022 – The Vancouver Police Department received a distressing call on June 14, reporting a case of child abuse and neglect at an apartment located at 4701 N.E. 72nd Ave. The caller, a concerned woman, alleged that her parents, identified as Machuo and Refalopei, were physically abusing and depriving their 7-year-old grandson of basic necessities. Shockingly, the woman claimed that the child had suffered severe beatings and burns from cigarettes.

Prompted by this grave accusation, the police revisited the apartment three days later to investigate further. Refalopei, however, provided a different narrative, informing the officers that her grandson had left with an unidentified auntie in 2021. She refused to disclose any details regarding the aunt’s whereabouts, including her name, address, or phone number, according to court records.

Following up on the case, law enforcement officials, in conjunction with Child Protective Services, made contact with the couple on July 15, 2022. They served Machuo and Refalopei with a court order mandating the immediate transfer of the child into state custody. Disturbingly, Refalopei reiterated her claim that her grandson had been taken away by an aunt, providing no further information to support her statement.

As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered a shocking twist. On August 17, 2022, Machuo boarded a flight to Kansas City, Missouri, accompanied by the young boy and another relative, who happened to be an airline employee. Machuo returned to Portland alone, while the relative continued their journey to Phoenix, leaving the vulnerable child behind in Missouri. These details were revealed through court records and interviews.

The search for the child’s whereabouts intensified, and on February 15, authorities finally made a breakthrough. The child’s mother, who had flown from Micronesia to Guam, was located and interviewed by FBI agents in Guam. During the interview, she assured investigators that she had spoken to her son just three days prior and confirmed his safety. The mother cooperated further by providing the name of a relative residing in Missouri who was reportedly caring for her son.

This troubling case highlights the urgency and importance of safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children. The Vancouver Police Department, in collaboration with other agencies, remains committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children within their jurisdiction.

If you have any information regarding this case or believe you may have witnessed any form of child abuse or neglect, please contact the Vancouver Police Department immediately. Together, we can make a difference and safeguard the welfare of our children.

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