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Report: Step-father of missing Houston girl taken into custody

Posted at 6:25 PM, May 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-11 18:25:49-04

The step-father of a missing Houston girl has been taken into custody.

KTRK-TV reported that Darion Vence, who police said was the last person to see Maleah Davis, 4, was arrested Saturday.

Vence was charged with tampering with evidence, "namely a corpse." Officials have not confirmed whether they believe Davis is dead or if her body has been found.

Davis has been missing since May 3, after her step-father told police that she was abducted by "three Hispanic males" after they ambushed them as they were on the way to Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Vence had reported to police that he had stopped on the highway to check his tires because of a "popping noise." He said then he was ambushed by the men, who knocked him unconscious and took the car and Davis.

KTRK reports that Davis had several brain surgeries, requires medication and constant care. She had also been recently returned to her home by CPS after she was removed from the family last August.

CPS officials told KTRK that she and her two siblings were removed because of allegations of physical abuse related to her head injury.

The Nissan Altima reported stolen was found in Missouri City on May 9.

Earlier this week , community activist Quanell X had also discussed events leading up to Maleah's disappearance, including the fallout between Maleah's mother Brittany Bowens and Vence.

Anyone with information on Maleah Davis' whereabouts is urged to contact HPD at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.