Cape Cod mother in custody in the nick of time after 4- and 6-year-old children reported missing

BOSTON, MA – Police have issued an update after two Cape Cod children were reported missing and their mother believed to be the suspect.

According to police, 6-year-old Isabella and 4-year-old Christian Casali had last been seen with their mother, 38-year-old Vanessa Downer, on Thursday in Bourne, MA.

Vanessa no longer has legal custody of the children per a court order.

The department had been unable to make contact with Vanessa and was investigating the possibility she had left the state, possibly travelling to Florida.

There was an active warrant for Vanessa Downer’s arrest for violation MGL 265 / 26A: Kidnapping of a Minor by a Relative.

Both children were later located safe on Friday, and Vanessa placed in custody.

They were located while attempting to board a plane out of state at Logan Airport.

Bourne Police thanked all involved for a peaceful resolution.

“Thank you to everyone that provided assistance in this case from the public and our law enforcement partners. We will provide additional details at a later date, but the public and law enforcement partnership was key in helping to locate these children quickly and safely and bring a peaceful resolution to the situation. We would especially like to thank the Massachusetts State Police were amazing partners in this investigation.”