Richard Landers Jr.'s father forgives parents for alleged kidnapping, wants to see son

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

A young photo of Richard Wayne Landers, Jr. who was abducted from Indiana by his paternal grandparents in 1994.

/ AP Photo/Indiana State Police

(AP) SOUTH BEND, Ind. - An Indiana man says he forgives his parents for allegedly abducting his son nearly 20 years ago and he's eager to be reacquainted with him.

Richard Wayne Landers Sr. told The Associated Press on Sunday he wants to tell his son, Michael Landers, he loves him but doesn't know his number. He says he can't afford to go to Minnesota, where his son was found living with his parents.

Landers Sr.'s parents allegedly abducted his son in 1994 amid a custody dispute with the boy's mother. He says his parents never explained why they told a judge they thought he'd be a bad parent.

Michael Landers seems to have understood his circumstances and lived willingly with his grandparents. He changed his name from Richard Wayne Landers Jr. in 2006.

More on Crimesider
Jan. 11, 2013 - Richard Landers Jr. Found: Mother was living in car before Indiana boy's 1994 abduction
Jan. 11, 2013 - Richard Landers Jr., Ind. boy abducted in 1994, found living in Minnesota, police say

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