Tennessee – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has confirmed that 2-year-old Maria Linebaugh has been located and is safe. She was found after being reported missing earlier this week, leading to a statewide Amber Alert. The suspect, Matthew Linebaugh, has been taken into custody.
Detectives with the Kingsport Police Department had obtained warrants for Matthew Linebaugh, charging him with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Driving on a Revoked License.
The search for Maria began after she was last seen on the morning of the incident in the area of Bowater Drive in Kingsport.
Maria was wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt with a heart, beige pants, and pink shoes.
She was believed to have been with Matthew Linebaugh, who was possibly traveling in a 2010 silver Ford Crown Victoria with TN tag BRF4966.
The TBI thanked the public for their assistance and the widespread sharing of the information.
Authorities urged that any further tips should be called in directly to the TBI’s 1-800-TBI-FIND number, as they continue their investigation.