Legislator Manny Abarca and Son Reported Missing Amid Domestic Dispute; Abarca States They Are Safe

 A missing persons report has been filed for Jackson County, Missouri legislator Manny Abarca and his two-year-old son, Luca, according to the Shawnee, Kansas Police Department. The report was initiated after Abarca's wife, Alexis, posted on social media and informed news outlets that she had not seen her son in five days, since May 28th.

Alexis Abarca stated that she last saw her husband on Thursday, May 29th, at his father's house in Shawnee, where an unspecified "incident" occurred that prompted a police response. She also expressed urgent concern that her son is without necessary medication that she possesses. Her Facebook post read in part, "I am asking for help as a mother that is desperate to get her son back."

In response to inquiries, Manny Abarca sent an email statement asserting that the report was filed "erroneously." He wrote, "Please rest assured we are not missing and we are both safe and healthy."

The Shawnee Police Department confirmed the active investigation on Monday. While they have made telephone contact with Manny Abarca, they have not yet been able to physically see him or his son to independently verify their well-being. A spokesperson stated that while there is no immediate indication of danger, the investigation will remain open out of an abundance of caution until their safety can be confirmed in person.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has a record of the missing persons report but has deferred official comment to the Shawnee Police, who are leading the active investigation.