Police arrested Tucksen a few days later for a separate crime. He had a history of violence and trouble with the law, including past accusations of violence against Kuich. He claimed Kuich had left with their son after an argument and that he hadn’t seen them since. He said he didn’t know their son was missing.

Kuich had no money, job, or car at the time of her disappearance. She was homeless, living in a tent. While Tucksen said she’d disappeared briefly before, this time was different; she never returned.

Years later, in December 2010, Tucksen was arrested for the murder of another person—he’d stabbed the victim and set their house on fire. He’d been on the run for months.

Kuich’s mother insisted she would never have abandoned her son. Because of the circumstances and Tucksen’s behavior, authorities believe Kuich is likely dead, but her body has never been found. Her case remains unsolved.