Mother Abducts Autistic Sons, Evades UK Authorities

A father has made a public plea for his ex-wife to return their two young sons, Blaine, aged five, and Nathaniel, known as Nate, aged three, who have been missing in the UK for over three months. Nishika Samaratunga, 34, is believed to be concealing the whereabouts of the children, who were born in the United States. Their father, Ben Baier, 43, who lives near Denver, Colorado, stated the boys have autism, and the abrupt disruption to their routine is damaging.

Mr. Baier initiated High Court proceedings after Ms. Samaratunga failed to return the children on March 29, following a visit to the UK. Concerns have been raised that the boys are not attending school or receiving necessary medical attention. Court orders have been issued against financial and utility companies in an attempt to trace Ms. Samaratunga, but her location remains unknown. A judge in Colorado previously authorized US law enforcement to take custody of the children, citing a "credible risk that the children are in imminent danger."