After vanishing more than eight years ago while walking his dogs near his home in northeast Houston, Rudolph “Rudy” Farias has been found alive.
But there are plenty of unanswered questions that are still lingering in the case, including whether Farias has been missing at all.
Farias was 17 years old when he disappeared. According to the Associate Press, he was found lying on the ground in front of a church in southeast Houston this past Thursday (June 29). It is not known yet where Farias has been since he went missing.
“After 8 long years, Rudy has been located safe,” the Texas Center for the Missing tweeted. “Please continue to keep his family in your prayers as Rudy recovers in the hospital.”
According to ABC 13 News, however, neighbors are questioning the veracity of the story. They say Farias lives with his mother and would hang out with their family in the past. “He used to come in my garage, chill with my cousin, son, and daughter,” said neighbor Kisha Ross. “That boy has never been missing.”
Investigators still have not spoken to Farias since he was taken to the hospital but plan to on Wednesday (July 5). The flyer that was released when Farias disappeared explains that Farias “suffers from depression, PTSD and anxiety” and that he has “attempted suicide in the past” and may be “disorientated as he has not been taking his medication.”
His mother, Janie Santana, released a statement after her son, who is now 25 years old, was found. “What we do know is at the time of his 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.”