Police release videos of woman suspected of kidnapping 8-month-old baby

McManus: Family not cooperating; FBI assisting in investigation

SAN ANTONIO – Police on Saturday released enhanced videos and a photo of a woman suspected of kidnapping an 8-month-old baby boy Friday night.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the family of baby King Jay Davila isn't cooperating with police in their investigation into his whereabouts. In fact, McManus said Friday police believe King's father, 34-year-old Christopher Davila, is behind his kidnapping. 

"The (family members) that we believe have information that could help are not cooperating," McManus said. He added that the mother of the baby is distraught and "wants this thing closed yesterday."

McManus said Davila, who has since been charged with child endangerment, drove to a convenience store in the 300 block of Enrique Barrera Parkway on Friday night, left the car running and the driver's door unlocked and went inside the store to make a purchase. Shortly after, a woman is seen on surveillance video getting into the car and driving off.

Police said they are still trying to identify the woman, who later abandoned the car in a parking lot near Rodriguez Park without baby King or his car seat inside, police said.

Authorities said they canvassed the area where the vehicle was found and obtained surveillance video of a woman matching the description of the woman seen on the gas station surveillance video carrying a car seat.

McManus said it's unknown if King was in the car seat the woman was seen carrying, because there was a blanket draped over the carrier, but said police are acting as if that is the case.

Police described the woman as a thin, white or Hispanic woman who was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie and tan pants.

Police said Saturday that while King's case doesn't meet the very specific criteria for an Amber Alert, they "have entered the child into (the) state and national missing person database, created flyers and issued notifications to our law enforcement partners."

McManus said police are also treating the situation as if the child is in grave danger, as they are not sure what Davila's motives are.

According to McManus, police have followed up on multiple leads as to who the woman is, but so far, they have been unsuccessful in identifying her and are asking the public for help.

"We're heavily relying, right now, on hoping that someone who sees the video will call and will give us information that will lead us to her and the baby," McManus said.

McManus had a message for family or friends who may know King's whereabouts and not want to get involved.

"It's not a personal issue, it's a kidnapping right now," McManus said Saturday. "And if you are later found to be withholding information, you could wind up being charged in this kidnapping."

San Antonio police announced Saturday evening that the FBI is now involved in King's kidnapping.

“The FBI is now assisting in the investigation into the disappearance of 8-month-old King Jay Davila," McManus. "As always, we are extremely grateful for their willingness to assist our department when needed.

"It’s even more appreciated that these agents are volunteering their time and expertise to help us find King, despite them not being paid during the current government shutdown. Together, we will work tirelessly to find baby King.”


About the Authors:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.