Tempe Police Requesting Public’s Assistance in Locating Infant

Last Updated: 02-04-2010

On Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 1:05 p.m., Logan McQueary reported to Tempe Police Officers that he had received threats toward his son, 8-month-old Gabriel Johnson, from the mother of the child, Elizabeth Johnson.

Logan informed officers that a custodial hearing was scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, December 28 at Maricopa County Superior Court – Family Court.

Elizabeth failed to appear at the custodial hearing. Subsequently, Logan was issued full custody of Gabriel Johnson. Investigators had received information that Elizabeth and Gabriel were in the San Antonio Texas area. Since Elizabeth was out of the state of Arizona, and no longer had custodial rights to the child, a warrant was issued for Elizabeth Johnson for the violation of custodial interference.

Tempe investigators received information indicating that Elizabeth and Gabriel stayed at either or both the Home Gate Studio and Suites and Quality Inn Fiesta Park, both in San Antonio, on December 26. Elizabeth was scheduled to check out on December 27, however she did not go through the formal checkout process. Therefore, it is unknown if Elizabeth left San Antonio on December 26 or December 27.

On Wednesday December 30, 2009 at approximately 10:00 PM (Eastern Time), Elizabeth Johnson was located by Police Officers with the Miami Beach, Fl Police Department. Elizabeth was placed under arrest for the outstanding custodial interference warrant. Gabriel was not with Elizabeth when she was taken into custody.

Elizabeth has exercised her right to speak with an attorney in this matter, and has not provided investigators with information about Gabriel’s condition or current location. There have been no signs of Gabriel after December 26, 2009.

On January 5, 2010 at approximately 4:40 PM (Arizona Time) the white 1995 Oldsmobile being driven by Elizabeth Johnson was located in San Antonio, TX.

Gabriel was not in the vehicle and his current whereabouts are still unknown. The vehicle was located at a Motel 6 across from a Tornado Bus Station off Interstate 35 by an FBI Agent. The vehicle is currently being processed for evidence.

Elizabeth Johnson is age 23, 5’6” tall, and approximately 135 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. Photos of Elizabeth, the vehicle, and the child Gabriel are attached.

On January 7, 2010, The Tempe Police Department identified Tammi and Jack Smith of Scottsdale AZ as persons of interest in this investigation. Tempe Police Investigators have indications that they have not shared information with investigators that may lead us to Gabriel Johnson.

On January 9, 2010,  Elizabeth Johnson was booked into Tempe City Jail after being extradited from Florida.

Elizabeth now faces charges of Kidnapping (a class two felony), Child Abuse (a class four felony), and Custodial Interference (a class four felony).  After being processed, Elizabeth was transported and booked into Maricopa County Jail and is being held on a cash only bond of $1,100,000.00.

On Tuesday February 2, 2010, person of interest Tammi Smith was taken into custody by the Tempe Police Department for Conspiracy to Commit Custodial Interference, Custodial Interference, and Forgery.  Jack Smith is no longer considered a person of interest in this investigation.

What happens next?  Our primary goal in this investigation has always been the safe recovery of Gabriel Johnson.  From photos obtained by police, it is clear that Gabriel was last seen alive in San Antonio, TX on 12-26-09.  Subsequently, the San Antonio Police Department has opened a missing person investigation reference Gabriel's disappearance.

Tempe Police have transferred all new tips and leads have received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to the San Antonio Police Department.  We will continue to provide support to that investigation as requested.

The Tempe Police Department appreciates the media disseminating this information out to the public. Anyone with additional information as to the whereabouts of Gabriel Johnson is urged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at the 24 hour tip line. That number is 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)