Search for boy with autism triggers investigation, arrest of Linn County parents

By: Ariel Rothfield

A Linn County mother and father now sit behind bars almost two weeks after their 12-year-old son with autism went missing. He was later found inside the home.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office arrested Suzanne and Chris Seagren Tuesday, charging the couple with aggravated child endangerment. 

41 Action News learned an investigation into the family began when they reported their son missing. 

The family told police when they woke up on Sunday, Aug. 21, their 12-year-old son was not in his room or the home.

Members of the community, the sheriff’s office and highway patrol canvassed the surrounding area. Hours later and after several searches of the house, they found the boy hiding underneath the kitchen sink. 

Three days later, 41 Action News learned the sheriff’s office removed seven of nine children, all under the age of 18, from the home because of “safety and health concerns." According to neighbors, some of the children were fostered and adopted by the Seagrens. 

The Seagrens were arrested Tuesday, the same day a judge held a hearing to determine if the children were safe inside the home. 

The judge did not allow 41 Action News into the courtroom. She sealed the case and issued a gag order for all involved. Now, the sheriff’s office, the county prosecutor and Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) are not allowed to discuss the case. 

DCF is responsible for overseeing foster children, adoptions and investigating cases of abuse and neglect. The agency said they legally could not comment on whether they had been called to the Seagren house before. 

The sheriff’s office and the Linn County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment.

Ariel Rothfield can be reached at Ariel.Rothfield@KSHB.com.