Missing Lakeville children found, mother charged with kidnapping

The two missing Lakeville children who were allegedly taken by their mother have been found safe, and the mother now faces kidnapping charges.

Steve Carrigan, the children’s father, said that 7-year-old Eden and 5-year-old Steven were located at a Raynham McDonald’s with their mother, Valerie McGrath, WHDH reported, adding that he also said the children were unharmed.

“They’re excited about going home. And I am too,” Carrigan said to WHDH.

On Monday evening, police located a vehicle rented by McGrath, Boston.com stated, adding that Lakeville police said she had abandoned her original vehicle and was driving another that she had rented in Fall River.

McGrath was arrested and is currently held on a $10,000 bail, police said in the Boston.com article. She’s due to be arraigned Tuesday.

Police said to WHDH that McGrath took the children at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, and instead of returning at 5:00 p.m. as she had promised, she allegedly turned off her cellphone and left with the children.

There was concern for the kids’ safety, according to police, because of McGrath’s recent behavior and statements, but the state declined to issue an Amber Alert because the children were not in immediate danger, WHDH added.