UPDATE: CHILD REUNITED WITH FATHER—Parental Abduction: Oxnard PD ask public’s help locating missing 7 year old

UPDATE: On March 21, 2015 at 8:30 p.m., the father of 7 year old Tyler Melgoza came to the Oxnard Police Department to report that the child’s mother, Jessica Melgoza, failed to return Tyler after his court ordered overnight visitation.  Jessica Melgoza was required to return Tyler to his father at 7:30 p.m. on March 21, 2015. 

The Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Child Abduction Unit have been working diligently to locate the whereabouts of Tyler. During the investigation, it was believed and subsequently confirmed that Jessica Melgoza had taken Tyler and fled to Mexico.  Investigators began to exhaust all leads interviewing family members and asking for the public’s assistance in helping locate Tyler. 

On March 25, 2015 at approximately 1:00 P.M. detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit were able to make contact with Jessica Melgoza via phone.  It was confirmed that Melgoza was in Mexico with 7 year old Tyler in the border city of Tijuana.  Investigators negotiated with Jessica to safely return the child to authorities in the United States.  Investigators immediately made contact with the Department of Justice to coordinate the safe passage of the mother and child across the border.

Following the phone conversation with Melgoza, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit and an investigator from the District Attorney’s Office drove 200 miles to San Diego to ensure and help secure the reunification between Tyler and his father.  Within hours and with the assistance from the Department of Justice, Jessica and Tyler were escorted across the border.  Tyler was immediately removed from the custody of Jessica Melgoza and taken to a nearby facility in San Diego to be examined by medical staff.  Tyler was found to be unharmed.

Once Tyler’s medical examination was completed, he was released to the custody of his father, Tony Melgoza. Tony Melgoza was overwhelmed with emotion and joy to see his son again.  Detectives described their own feelings as relieved and very emotional knowing that father and son were both safe in each other’s arms.  Detective Dale McAlpine stated, “Its special moments like these that have the greatest impact on me and what I do every day.”  

Following the tearful and joyful reunion, detectives made contact with Jessica Melgoza who was immediately served with an Emergency Protective Order restricting her from any contact with the father or child.  Within five minutes of leaving the facility, Jessica violated the protective order by calling the child’s father.  With the primary focus being on the safe and successful return of Tyler, Jessica Melgoza was released from custody and allowed to leave following the return of the child.  The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing the case to determine if charges will be filed against Jessica Melgoza for child abduction and for unlawfully taking the child across international lines.

Photo Credits: Oxnard Police Department

On March 21, 2015 at 8:30 P.M., the father of 7 year old Tyler Melgoza came to the Oxnard police department to report that the child’s mother, Jessica Melgoza, failed to return Tyler after his court ordered overnight visitation. Jessica Melgoza was required to return Tyler to his father at 7:30 P.M. on March 21, 2015.

Tyler Melgoza and her mother Jessica Melgoza

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Child Abduction and Recovery Unit are currently investigating the whereabouts of Jessica Melgoza and her son Tyler Melgoza. Investigators believe that Jessica Melgoza has fled to Mexico with son Tyler. Jessica is believed to be driving a blue, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta with black doors. The license plates to the vehicle were recently reported stolen which means the vehicle has either false license plates or no plates at all.

Jessica Melgoza’s Vehicle 98’ VW Jetta

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jessica and her son Tyler and request that if anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police at (805) 385-3921. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

Oxnard Police Department

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