In a case that shocked the nation, a young boy named Ricky Chekevdia disappeared without a trace for two full years.
What began as a bitter custody dispute between two parents turned into one of the most bizarre child abduction cases in recent history — and the final discovery was something no one could have imagined.
A Family Torn Apart
Shannon Wilfong and Michael Chekevdia had a troubled relationship. Though their bond was rocky from the start, they decided to marry after learning they were expecting a child.
Unfortunately, the arrival of their son, Ricky, didn’t bring peace. Instead, their disagreements only grew worse.
Eventually, Shannon and Michael divorced, with the court awarding custody of Ricky to Shannon and granting Michael visitation rights.
But when Shannon started refusing to let Michael see his son, tensions escalated. Michael was forced to take the matter to court, seeking enforcement of his rights as Ricky’s father.
Then… They Vanished
On the day Shannon was scheduled to appear in court, she simply didn’t show up — and neither did Ricky. Authorities quickly realized this wasn’t a simple no-show. Shannon had taken Ricky and disappeared.
An arrest warrant was issued, and a nationwide search began. Shannon’s mother, Diane Dobbs, insisted her daughter and grandson were missing and even accused Michael of being abusive. She placed signs around her yard calling him a liar, hoping to deflect suspicion.
Despite an early police search of Diane’s home, Shannon and Ricky remained missing — or so it seemed.
A Shocking Discovery Behind a Wall
Two years later, a tip led police to search Diane’s home once again. This time, officers noticed something odd: a large wooden dresser placed tightly against the wall.
When they moved it, they discovered a hidden door. Behind it was a small, makeshift room, just 12 feet long and five feet wide — and inside were Shannon and Ricky.
The boy, now 7 years old, had been living in near-total isolation. Neighbors said they had never seen him outside the home. Shannon claimed Ricky was free to come and go, but investigators disagreed. The space was cramped and dark, and Ricky’s relief was visible when officers finally escorted him out.
Legal Consequences and Reunion
Shannon was arrested and charged with child abduction, while her mother Diane was charged with assisting her. In 2011, Shannon pleaded guilty and received two years of probation and a $1,500 fine — a sentence many felt was far too light given the circumstances.
Michael, who had fought tirelessly to be reunited with his son, was finally granted full custody. The court cleared him of all accusations, and he was able to begin the healing process with Ricky.
