Newton, IL (WCCU) — The Lutz family of Newton, Illinois, have been found after being reported missing for nine weeks and are all safe, according to law enforcement.
Fox Illinois has been following the case since it came to public attention last week. Earlier Monday afternoon, Marlena Lang of Fox, Illinois, conducted an interview with Stephen’s daughter Brittany Lutz.An hour later, Newton police announced they had located her family. Brittany is happy that her family is safe, but she still has some concerns.
“I hope they’re alive. And they just took off to get away so he, I don’t know, got into trouble with law enforcement.” .alive.
Little did Brittany know that her wish would soon come true. Around 2:00 pm, Cochise County, Arizona agents contacted Monica and the boys, and then Stephen.
“Just a few minutes ago, I spoke with a Cochise County, Arizona legislator. He was actually in touch with Monica and two other boys, separate from Stephen. As he says, , the boys looked fine, she was fine, and even told me where to find Stephen, who was working at a nearby store at the time.”
Chief Britton also said the family was located using a license plate reader.
“We are assisted by state police and use license plate readers. Britton said.
Steven’s history of mental health problems, drug use, and violence has caused many people across the country to become concerned about the safety of Monica and the boys.
“Early in January, he (Stephen) was looking at the clown mask on the wall and saying, ‘Yes, I know what to do.’ , then my son Aiden, then my son Nicolas,” said Brittany.
Stephen is currently out on bail and facing home battery claims. The terms of his bond included that he must not have contact with Monica or their children. This is because he was unable to attend court during his family’s disappearance. However, since it’s on a state warrant, authorities can’t act on it because he’s out of state.
“So as long as that objective is met, we’re going to do what we need to do. Go ahead and finish the report. We’ll send it to the state attorney and go from there.” Britton explained.
Fox Illinois reached out to Brittany after her family was found to see if she had any final thoughts on the case. She said she was “very grateful that they were alive”, but she didn’t understand the boys and how they were being treated because she wasn’t spoken to alone. still very worried about
Chief Britton spoke with Stephen on the phone, and Stephen said he and his family had moved and had no intention of returning to Newton.
