There is an AMBER Alert in effect in West Virginia.
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The van hasn’t been spotted since. They were last seen in Virginia. Madison County prosecutors announced the charges Monday.
Police said Katherine Elizabeth Derleth, 13, and her infant son, Christopher Ray Derleth, born on September 1, are believed to be with Christopher Derleth.
“Katherine Derleth is described as a 4’8” 95-pound white female with brown eyes and brown hair.
Police would not release any additional details about Katherine Derleth’s living situation, or the identity of the biological father of her child. The equipment needed to insure the pacemaker is working properly was left behind. Katherine is also recovering from a cesarean section delivery and is still under a doctor’s care as it relates to the procedure and birth of her son.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons said during a recent press conference that a “no contact order” had been previously issued against Mr Derleth barring him from interacting with his stepdaughter, who at one point had lived with him. He also had a residence there in Greenville, and the stepdaughter lived with him prior to the August 16 date of the protection order.
Investigators developed evidence proving Christopher Derleth’s vehicle was eastbound on I-77 in West Virginia, south of Charleston, at approximately 12:42 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.
Christopher Derleth is believed to be traveling in a green 1997 Mercury Villager Minivan with an Illinois License plate E833210. That stretch is a turnpike with security cameras at the toll plazas.
Police are still searching for Christopher Derleth, who they say vanished along with his stepdaughter, Katherine Derleth, and the girl’s infant child, who is also named Christopher.
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Mr Derleth is known as an experienced camper, and law enforcement officials say the family may be staying at a rural camp ground or low-end motel.
