Van Sought In Kidnapping Case Has Been Found
By: Ken Curtis
Updated: September 20, 2012
A van believed used in the kidnapping of a teenaged girl in Dothan has been located. Police did not disclose the location and Dothan First will not divulge the location in the unlikely event doing so would impede the investigation.
The Mercury van had been sought since shortly after Aileen Lander, 15, was taken by from a Dothan doctor's office September 17. Her mother and stepfather are accused of kidnapping the girl who had been removed from the family home and was in custody of the Department of Human Resources.
Police are now centering their search on a Toyota minivan, believed to be green, blue, or a two tone vehicle of those colors. No other description of the minivan is available, according to Dothan Police Crime and Dissemination Officer Sgt. Rachel David.
It is believed Aileen is traveling with Charles Dean Partin, her 36-year old stepfather, and mother, Julie Bethke. Five other siblings may also be traveling with them. A nationwide alert has been issued and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist in the case.
