A mother from Utah, Elleshia Anne Seymour, faces serious allegations of abducting her four children under the belief that the “end times” were approaching. On November 29, 2023, the 35-year-old took a one-way flight from Salt Lake City International Airport to Croatia with her children, ages 10, 8, 7, and 3. This incident has raised significant concerns about the children’s well-being and their mother’s mental state.
The situation unfolded after Kendall Seymour, the father of three of the children, received a troubling voicemail from Elleshia on December 2. In the message, she claimed that the children were in France and expressed her intention to secure permanent residency before what she perceived as impending chaos. Kendall described the note she left behind as a “delusional message from God.”
Authorities have charged Elleshia with four counts of custodial interference, a third-degree felony. Security footage confirmed her departure with the children, and on December 10, an endangered and missing advisory was issued. The advisory highlighted concerns regarding her mental health, although officials stated they did not believe she would harm the children.
Kendall Seymour has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to facilitate bringing the children back to the United States. In a heartfelt message, he expressed, “To put it bluntly, my kids have been abducted overseas by their mother.” He revealed that Elleshia allegedly forged passport documents for the children and left behind a list of tasks that included destroying identifying photos and disposing of her phone.
The family’s attorney, Marco Brown, indicated that if authorities locate Elleshia, she could face extradition back to the United States. However, he noted that her mental health might influence the legal outcomes following her apprehension. “What I think is more likely is they get the kids back to the United States and if they share 50-50 custody, then he goes and modifies the custody, so he gets the majority of it and holds the kids’ passports,” Brown explained.
As the search for Elleshia and the children continues, Kendall Seymour is urging for support to ensure a swift reunion. His GoFundMe page has already raised over $12,680, surpassing its initial goal of $12,000. He emphasized that any extra funds would be allocated for therapy, addressing the trauma stemming from this ordeal.
The case has drawn attention to a broader societal phenomenon, as a Pew Research Center survey in 2022 revealed that approximately 39 percent of Americans believe they are living in “end times.” This belief often intertwines with religious interpretations, particularly within Christianity, which associates the concept with significant global upheaval and the anticipated return of Jesus Christ.
As law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, collaborate with local authorities in Utah, the hope remains that Elleshia and her children will be located safely and returned home. The complexities of custody and mental health issues are likely to play a significant role in the unfolding legal proceedings and the future of the family.
