Man kidnapped 41 years ago reunites with his mother

Two adults hold hands
(Image credit: iStock)

Here's a heartwarming story this holiday weekend: A man stolen as a baby has finally been reunited with his mother.

Travis Tolliver, who was kidnapped in Chile more than 41 years ago, just hours after his birth, has reunited at last with his mother, Nelly Reyes, in Santiago.

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Prosecutor Mario Carroza investigated Gerardo Joannon, a priest who was accused of stealing minors and acting as a liaison between Chilean families and adoptive parents. The 1970s scheme also involved medical staff, including doctors and nurses. But Carroza told CNN the statute of limitations in Joannon's case is expired, so he can't be prosecuted.

Tolliver's adoptive parents in Tacoma, Washington, meanwhile, had no knowledge of his tragic past. He told CNN that his parents believed he was an abandoned baby. Tolliver eventually found his biological mother through DNA testing.

"I'm going to hug him every day. I love him so much," Reyes told CNN.

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.