Missing Teen Found In Suspected Pedophile’s Cupboard, Was 'Locked Away' For Almost 3 Years

A 15-year-old German boy was found in a suspected pedophile’s cupboard, almost three years after he went missing.

The boy, identified as Marvin, was in local authority care after his father’s death. On June 11, 2017, he left the care home saying he was going to meet his friends but never returned. Police began investigation but gave up after he was not found.

On Friday, police executed a search warrant at 44-year-old Lars H’s home after he was suspected of sharing images and videos of child abuse. During the search, the officers opened the cupboard and found the 15-year-old teen standing in the darkness. The boy was taken to a nearby hospital while Lars was arrested and remained in custody over the weekend.

The teen’s mother, 53-year-old Manuela, met the boy at the hospital.

“He held on to me really tightly and he began to tremble. He said 'Mummy, take me home. I was locked away for two and a half years and I couldn't get any fresh air.’ He was actually wearing the same clothes he had on the day he disappeared. We both cried. He took my hand and wouldn't let go,” the teen’s mother recalled.

“I always said he was either dead or somewhere he could not get in touch with me. I had pictured to myself for two and a half years how it would be to see him again,” Manuela added.

It was not why the boy was not allowed to stay with his mother initially.