New and disturbing allegations have surfaced in the story of Rudolph “Rudy” Farias, a 25-year-old Houston man who was thought to be missing for more than eight years.
In March 2015, Farias was 17 years old when he disappeared while walking his dogs in his neighborhood. Last Thursday (June 29), he was found in front of a church in southeast Houston. Family members and officials celebrated his return.
That celebration, however, was short-lived after Farias was interviewed by police about where he had been for the last eight years. According to local activist Quanell X, who was present for the interviews, Farias had been living with his mother, Janie Santana, the entire time and had allegedly been subjected to years of sexual abuse by her. Farias also claims his mother kept him heavily drugged during that time.
“I never heard of a mother doing to a child what this woman did,” Quanell X told the media. “That boy needs to go to the best drug rehab and best psychological, mental health facility we can find for him. He’s a good kid. That kid was just severely abused.”
Houston police are not saying anything at this time but did say they would speak about the details of the case on Thursday (July 6).
They were reportedly seen at Santana’s house Thursday morning.
Inconsistencies in the missing-person story started to come to light when neighbors began to tell the media that Farias was never missing and had been living with his mother this entire time and would even 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.”
According to Quanell X, Farias ran away in 2015, but he returned after two days. He claims his mother told him he would go to jail if he told the police anything. Farias took his mother’s credit card and left her house last week.
“[Rudy] said he just got tired of her not respecting his boundaries and he wanted his own life,” Quanell X said. “His exact words were, ‘I was tired of living like a slave.’”
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse or assault, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
