Alexander SammonUpdated on: October 12, 2024 7:14 am GMT
As the months pass without her son, an Ontario mother is desperately pleading for help in locating him after his father allegedly abducted him during a trip to Vietnam. Heather McArthur reflects on her last moments with four-year-old Jacob, whose cherished items remain untouched in his bedroom, while she fights to bring him home.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
For the past seven months, Heather McArthur has been living a nightmare. Her son, Jacob, was taken by his father, Loc Phu “Jay” Le, on what was supposed to be a short trip to Vietnam to celebrate the Lunar New Year. McArthur expected Jacob to return home by February 15, but instead, she received a note that would change her life forever.
- Planned Trip: Jacob’s father took him to Vietnam in February for what was presented as a vacation.
- Failed Return: McArthur expected Jacob to return on February 15 but received a troubling note from Le instead.
“The first message I received from his father indicated they wouldn’t be coming back,” McArthur said. “There was an email stating Jacob had a rash and needed a prescription to be administered in Vietnam.” This note was followed by yet another message claiming that Jacob had a follow-up appointment in Vietnam on McArthur’s birthday, February 28, but no further communication occurred after that.
A Rising Fear
McArthur grew increasingly alarmed as time passed without word from Jacob or his father. She attempted to communicate via Jacob’s phone, but her efforts were thwarted when she found out that the number had been reassigned.
“I tried to continually reach out to his phone number,” she explained. “A couple of months ago, I received someone on the other line that had the phone number. It had already been reassigned.” McArthur is not only worried about Jacob’s well-being but also feels powerless, as Le and his family have refused to connect with her.
Legal Complications
In early May, the Toronto Police department intervened, releasing an image of Le and issuing a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest in connection with the parental abduction case.
- Warrant Issued: Le is wanted for abduction in contravention of existing custody orders.
- No Legal Framework: Complicating matters further is that Vietnam is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which typically assists with the return of children wrongfully taken to other countries.
McArthur has taken matters into her own hands. Concerned for her son’s safety, she traveled to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and hired a private investigator. “I was starting to feel concerned that Jacob could be abducted,” she said.
Investigation Revelations
The investigator provided McArthur with unsettling information, including photographs, which heightened her concerns. “They shared some footage of Jacob in situations that didn’t make me feel comfortable looking at from here,” she said. One image that particularly alarmed her showed Jacob riding a motorbike with two women, without shoes, clothing, or a helmet.
“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get him back,” she expressed.
Community Support and Fundraising
In a further attempt to fund her efforts to locate Jacob and bring him home, McArthur set up a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign has received overwhelming support, exceeding $30,000 from nearly 300 donors. This money is directed to her legal team in Vietnam, who are currently managing the case.
- GoFundMe Success: Almost 300 donors have contributed over $30,000.
- Utilization of Funds: The funds are being used to support McArthur’s legal efforts in Vietnam.
“Even if you’re unable to contribute financially, please think about keeping Jacob’s narrative alive by talking about it, sharing it with friends, urging authorities in Canada to provide international support, and holding him in your thoughts and prayers,” she said in her appeal on GoFundMe.
A Call for Action
Given the complex nature of international child abduction cases, McArthur is calling on the Canadian federal government to step in. “That’s really the only way in these circumstances to retrieve the child is through diplomatic means,” she stated.
McArthur’s emotional plea carries the weight of a mother’s heartache, and she hopes that raising awareness can help bring Jacob home.
Next Steps
As this situation unfolds, the impact on Jacob’s family remains profound. McArthur, who had worked diligently to prepare for Jacob’s upcoming fourth birthday on September 14, is left with memories and dreams of a joyful reunion.
- Next Steps for McArthur: She continues to engage legal support while rallying community efforts to publicize her plea.
- Community Vigilance: McArthur urges the public to remain vigilant and to share information that may lead to Jacob’s return.
While legal proceedings and international relationships complicate the recovery process, McArthur clings to hope. She continues to advocate for her son, ensuring his story is heard and that his safety remains a priority.
In her last words, McArthur showed her strong feelings: “Every day without Jacob feels like a day I can’t get back. I just want him home.” Her heartfelt message reminds us that many parents need more help and understanding when they are going through tough times like this.
