COLUMBIA, Mississippi — Two people wanted on kidnapping charges in Maryland were arrested in Marion County this week, and a 4-month-old reported missing was found safe, authorities said.
Columbia police said officers stopped a vehicle for speeding on April 11 during proactive patrol and discovered Celso Galvez Morales was a fugitive wanted on kidnapping charges in Maryland. Police said a 4-month-old child in the vehicle was safely recovered and turned over to the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services.
As the investigation continued, officers determined Morales’ girlfriend, Laura Ignacio Martinez, was also wanted in Maryland. Police located and arrested Martinez on April 12 without incident, authorities said. Both suspects are being held pending extradition to Maryland.
Authorities said the juvenile connected to the case has been found safe following coordination with the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office. Columbia Police Chief Fortenberry praised the officers involved, citing the importance of proactive policing and attention to detail. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
