There's a new twist in the search for a missing Charlotte County infant.
Two-month-old Ashlynn Van Orman on Monday was believed to be in the care and custody of James Fender. But now investigators believe she may be with someone else.
The child's grandmother said Fender reached out to the family Monday night, telling them the baby was turned over to a woman named Stephanie.
On Tuesday, investigators confirmed they believe the child may be in the care and custody of Stephanie Drain, 31, who is listed as homeless and frequents the Murdock area of Charlotte County. Stephanie may be in the company of Andrew Hall, last known to be living at 4611 Rose Apple St. in North Port. They may be traveling between North Port and Port Charlotte in a 1997 Chevy S-10 Pickup, tan, with registration number DVA3E.
While investigators do no believe the child is in any danger, investigators want to do a well-being check on Ashlynn.
Four in Your Corner sat down with Ashlynn's Grandma Robin Milthaler. She said her daughter, who is the baby's mother, Ashley Van Orman, was arrested on March 1st for driving with a suspended license and drug paraphernalia.
When Ashley was taken to jail, she told the sheriff's office to turn the baby over to Fender.
"He is not her stepfather. I don't know him. He's of no relation at all to us," Milthaler said.
She's been trying to track Fender and Ashlynn down since March 1st. When Four in Your Corner stopped by his home, a deputy was there, but Fender wasn't.
Milthaler's post on Facebook pleading for answers about where Ashlynn is has more than 2,600 shares.
"My worst fear? I don't know if she's alive. I don't know if she's been given to somebody else. You only can think of the worst and you hope for the best," Milthaler said.
If you know anything about their whereabouts, your are urged to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
