Rudy Farias update: Teen who went missing 8 years ago in north Houston found in ‘bad shape’

HOUSTON – A teen who went missing nearly eight years ago from north Houston has been found safe, the Texas Center for the Missing announced Saturday.

Rudolph “Rudy” Farias IV, who is now 25 years old, had been missing since March 6, 2015. He was 17 at the time of his disappearance.

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“Please continue to keep his family in your prayers as Rudy recovers in the hospital,” the Texas Center for the Missing tweeted.

KPRC 2′s Corley Peel spoke with Farias’ mother. She said good Samaritans spotted him at a church located at 76th St. at Ave. L. at around 10 a.m. on June 29 and then called 911. Authorities confirmed it was Rudy.

Rudy’s mother said he is in “bad shape,” physically and mentally. He reportedly had several bruises, burns and scrapes at the time he was found. She is grateful to have him back and is asking for prayers.

According to NBC News, the last time Rudy’s mother saw him was around 6 p.m. when he went to take his two dogs on a walk near his home. Several hours later, one of the dogs reportedly returned home and the other went back the next day, but Rudy was nowhere to be found.

Tim Miller, the director for Texas EquuSearch, is one of several people who helped search high and low for Farias.

“How did this happen? We believe in miracles, and this certainly was a miracle,” Miller said. “I can’t even tell you how many times we searched and how many leads and tips came in and they just kind of faded away and now all of a sudden, this.”

Miller said they followed up on every tip.

“In the beginning, we met with the family and detectives out there and we found a backpack. We talked to someone with a catering truck that said they saw him, then there were different possible sightings in different places,” said Miller.

Miller said he never would have imagined that Farias was still alive.

“I think now there’s a lot of questions. There’s a lot to investigate to kind of see what happened, where it happened, how it happened,” said Miller.

In 2015, family members told NBC that Rudy had been suffering from depression for months. He lost his older brother to a motorcycle accident several years ago.

“He watched his best friend die right in front of him. His brother was his best friend in the world. He’s just gone through so much more than anyone his age ever should,” a private investigator working for the Farias family was quoted saying on Dateline in 2015.

At the time of Rudy’s disappearance, investigators said they did not suspect foul play.

HPD’s Missing Persons investigators plan to speak with Rudy and his family on Wednesday to determine his whereabouts since he was reported missing in 2015.

Texas Center for the Missing released the following statement:

“We are happy to confirm Rudy Farias IV was located in Houston last week after being missing for 8 years. Currently, there are no details regarding Rudy’s case. However, we do know when a loved one goes missing this is the day all families hope for and dream of – REUNIFICATION. We are thankful that Rudy has been found and receiving the care he needs.”

Statement from Rudy’s mother Janie Santana:

“We want to thank the media and public for all their support. My son Rudy Farias IV was found on Thursday, June 29th, after being missing for 8 years. Currently, we do not have any additional information on Rudy’s case. What we do know is at the time of recovery, a good Samaritan located him unresponsive and immediately called police and 911. My son Rudy is receiving the care he needs to overcome his trauma, but at this time, he is nonverbal and not able to communicate with us. We are asking for privacy during the difficult time but will share more details as Rudy continues to heal.”