Avery Doherty Missing: Missing Child From Iowa Found in Maine Months After Disappearance

Avery Doherty Missing – When 6-year-old Avery Doherty—who had been forcibly abducted by her mother, Esther Bender—was found safe on Peaks Island, the heartbreaking case of a missing child from Ames, Iowa, took an unexpected turn. Following the October tragedy, which left both the neighborhood and the authorities shaken, they began a thorough search for the missing youngster.

Valentine’s Day Reunion:

On Valentine’s Day, Avery and her mother were found thanks to the persistent efforts of police authorities. Her safe return was marred, nevertheless, by Esther Bender’s arrest. The 41-year-old is now being charged with violating a custody order. Questions concerning the circumstances surrounding the cross-country disappearance were raised when it was discovered that Bender did not have legal custody of her daughter.

Anxious Hunt and Emotional Chaos:

Following Avery Doherty’s abduction, the Story County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa promptly began a search operation on October 13, 2023. As the inquiry progressed, media organizations like Maine’s Total Coverage’s sister station in Iowa, KCCI, joined the search for the missing youngster and raised awareness. After splitting from Bender, Avery’s father, Brandon Doherty, now lives in Kansas City, and he talked about the emotional toll the situation took on him.

The Custody Battle Starts:

Amidst the chaos, information about a lengthy custody dispute between Brandon Doherty and Esther Bender surfaced. Doherty’s request for visiting rights was made public by court filings, which provided insight into the intricate legal circumstances that most likely led to the kidnapping. The father was left to struggle with doubt and turn to prayer while he waited to hear his daughter’s whereabouts.

Avery Doherty is found on Peaks Island, which is a startling turn of events that raises both doubts regarding her absence and feelings of relief. The community is waiting for further information on how a child who was reported missing in Iowa wound up on an island in Maine as the legal process plays out.