A manhunt is on for the father of a missing baby girl he claimed had been taken from her crib on July 2, 2015 by a stranger, but who police now believe he may have harmed himself.
Matthew Graham was labeled a Person of Interest in the disappearance of his 6-month-old daughter Ember and immediately jailed on “unrelated” charges, including probation violations, possession of a controlled substance, and driving an unregistered vehicle.
But last week, after pleading guilty, a judge released him and imprudently decided he didn’t need to wear a monitoring bracelet anymore -- despite the ongoing investigation into Graham’s missing child.
Authorities say, upon his release, the 24-year-old questioned a relative about the search for Baby Ember, who revealed to him that a piece of evidence had recently been found in a remote area.
Shortly thereafter, the woman called the police to report he had stolen her gun, cash and cell phone … and was gone.
Matthew Graham is now on the run and the search for missing-person Ember Graham continues, amid growing concern the infant may in fact already be dead.
"The court made a bad decision in ordering Graham's GPS to be removed and now the public is in danger," warned Shasta County sheriff, Tom Bosenko, this weekend.
Anyone with information concerning Graham’s whereabouts or that of Baby Ember is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (530) 245-6025. Tips may also be directed to Shasta County’s Major Crimes Unit at (530) 245-6135 or mcu @ co.shasta.ca.us.
"Matthew has violated his probation,” said Sheriff Bosenko. “He is a felon in possession of a gun and should be considered armed and dangerous.”
