It was a huge relief for Stephanie Vaughn-Green and her family when they found out that 7-year-old Uriah Saye Jr. had been safely returned home, just hours after an Amber Alert was issued.
“Praise the lord. Hallelujah, he’s on his way back to his momma. We’re just so happy,” said Uriah’s grandmother, Stephanie. “We’re just so relieved.”
Uriah’s mom, Aurielle Green, was overwhelmed with emotion when she heard the good news.
“I just want to hold him and never let him go,” Aurielle said.
Aurielle, who shares custody of Uriah with his father, told CBS Colorado that her son had been with his dad at their home in Lakewood when the father was shot. Police believe 26-year-old Crystal Denmon took Uriah after shooting his father.
“She’s my child’s father’s ex-girlfriend. I knew there was a restraining order, so she shouldn’t have even been there,” Aurielle explained.
Denmon led police on a chase across eastern and southeastern Colorado, with officers from different agencies, including Colorado State Patrol, joining the search.
“We got help from other agencies, like Colorado State Patrol, once we knew the suspect had fled in a vehicle,” said Lindsey Witzel, a spokesperson for Lakewood Police. “It was a tough day for everyone, and I can’t imagine what the family went through.”
At 4 p.m., after hours of worry, police found Uriah safe and arrested Denmon.
“Now I don’t have to worry about her ever trying to take my child again,” Aurielle said.
Despite the fear and anxiety of the day, the family says the experience brought them closer together.
“Now we can celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Robin Green, Uriah’s step-grandmother.
The family was ready to welcome Uriah back home that evening. Uriah’s father is still recovering in the hospital but is stable.
