LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — John "Little Zion" Doe has been identified as 7-year-old Liam Husted, a missing child from San Jose, California.
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The little boy's body was found by hikers near the Mountain Springs Trailhead, not far from Las Vegas, on May 28.
Husted and his mother, 35-year-old Samantha Moreno Rodriguez, apparently left San Jose on May 24 and were last seen at Laguna Beach on May 26.
#BREAKING the murdered boy has been identified as Liam Justed, 7.
— Joe Bartels (@Joe_Bartels) June 7, 2021
His mother, Samantha Moreno Rodriguez, 35, now has a warrant for open murder. pic.twitter.com/15xQzu7U6l
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Later that day, the vehicle, which is a dark blue 2007 Dodge Caliber, was seen in the Victorville area.
On May 29, the vehicle was spotted near Grand Junction, Colorado. The license plate number is 6WLH211
On May 31, his mother checked into a hotel room by herself in the Denver area. A nationwide arrest warrant for open murder has been issued for Rodriguez.
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According to LVMPD, the boy's father has been notified and is not involved in any way. Spencer also said that the car was fully packed and they do not believe anyone else could have been in the vehicle.
Additionally, the mother is believed to have spent time in the Las Vegas area before.
Anyone with any information about Moreno Rodriguez’s whereabouts or about this crime is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
The San Jose Police Department assisted LVMPD in identifying the boy.
