Isabel Celis Search Continues, Father Voluntarily Leaves Home

Isabel Celis, the 6-year-old girl that vanished from her home on April 20th, is no closer to being found, although her father, Sergio Celis, has agreed to a voluntary separation from his sons.

The separation of Sergio from his sons comes after Child Protective Services was reportedly called in on the investigation.

According to the Tucson Citizen, CPS was called in, and met with Isabel’s father, who agreed to leave the home, while the boys stayed there with their mom.

Later reports show a clarification, stating that CPS was involved in the case since the beginning, as a routine involvement when any child goes missing.

Pat Alvarez of the Tucson Citizen asserts that:

“If CPS was involved from the beginning of the Celis Case, it is because there was a concern that something about the situation law enforcement found concerned Police about the home’s safety, the family, or frequent visitors to the home. It may not have been concerns regarding the child’s parents, but perhaps concerns that a relative who visits has a serious arrest record, may use drugs or is suspicious in some way.”

Alvarez asserts that her knowledge of CPS comes from years of working for the agency. CPS released a statement on Friday regarding the Isabel Celis case, saying:

“The Department can confirm that CPS is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the continued safety of the children. At the present time, the children are not in CPS custody. The Department appreciates the community’s support and understanding in protecting the privacy rights and safety needs for these children during this ongoing joint investigation.”

Along with the news that Isabel Celis’ father is no longer in the family’s home, transcripts of the 911 tapes were released by police, and at one point, Sergio Celis reportedly chuckles strangely.

CBS News reports that when Isabel’s father is asked what happened to the girl, he states:

“I have no idea. We woke up this morning and went to go get her up, start her baseball game and she’s gone. I woke up my, my sons, I, we looked everywhere in the house and my oldest son noticed that her window was wide open and the screen was laying in the backyard. We’ve looked all around the house.”

Authorities have refused to comment further regarding the CPS involvement in the Isabel Celis case, citing the ongoing investigation.

[iframe src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/9zxp7v1ww9I” width=”560″ height=”315″]