Missing toddler Genisis Nevaeh Franco located

Toddler OK; Michael Anthony Franco remains at large

A nearly 2-year-old girl who had been missing for six months is back in her mother's custody.

However, 28-year-old Michael Anthony Franco, the child's father, remains at large, accused of violating a joint custody agreement and failing to appear at a child support hearing.

His family said Franco dropped off his daughter Thursday night at his grandmother's house in the 300 block of Precious.

Yolanda Franco, the father's aunt, said her nephew had just seen his wanted photo on the news.

His aunt said he told her, "Do what you need to do."

Franco said he was visibly upset.

"He took off running. He was crying. He really didn't want to give her up, but he knew he was doing the right thing," Franco said.

But she said her great-niece appeared fine.

"She was wearing a pretty little dress. She had her little socks on," Franco said. "He always kept her real pretty."

She said it was the first time the father's family had seen her in six months.

Franco said she believes her nephew kept Genisis out of concern for her welfare.

"So I'm the one who turned her in and if she ends up abused, it's my fault. Nobody's fault but mine," she said.

But Rosie Reyes, Genisis' mother's attorney, said her client is overjoyed with having her daughter back.

Reyes said the mother was planning to take Genisis shopping for clothes.

Although Franco's family is hoping he will turn himself in, San Antonio police are urging the public to call 210-207-7273 if they know where he is.

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