Michael Ren Wysolovski. (mugshot)
Michael Ren Wysolovski is accused in connection with the disappearance of a now 17-year-old girl who, after being missing for a year, was discovered alive in Duluth, Georgia.
Hailey Burns, then 16, went missing in 2016, when she vanished into thin air from her family home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Family members said at the time that there was evidence Hailey had been communicating with an older man online.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Hailey Disappeared After Exhibiting Strange Behavior, Such as Using a Pacifier
Hailey Burns. (Facebook)
According to IJR.com, Hailey Burns was only 16 when she disappeared on May 23, 2016 from her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her parents faced every parents’ worst nightmare: She just vanished into the night.
“Her parents, Anthony and Shaunna Burns, woke up and found her bedroom empty and the front door of the house unlocked. They believe she left the home between midnight and 6:00 a.m.,” the news site reported.
IJR.com reported that, before she vanished, Hailey had started “using a pacifier and wearing her hair in pigtails,” and her parents learned through a classmate that she had “been talking to” a 30-year-old man and exchanging phone messages with him in which she called him “Daddy.”
The man’s name was not released, and it’s not clear whether that account bears any connection to Wysolovski or his arrest.
2. Hailey Was Discovered in Georgia & Wysolovski Is Facing a Slew of Charges
Hailey Burns. (Facebook)
Hailey was found alive in Duluth, Georgia, according to Fox News.
She was located in a home not far from Atlanta. Michael Ren Wysolovski was arrested in connection with her disappearance, reported Fox News, and “faces a number of charges, including cruelty to children and false imprisonment.”
Fox 5 reported that Wysolovski is accused of “aggravated sodomy, cruelty to children and deprivation, interference with custody, and false imprisonment.”
Wysolovski is 31-years-old and will face state charges, the FBI told WSOC.
According to Fox News, Hailey, who has Asberger’s Syndrome, left behind a diary in which she indicated plans to run away with a man she met online. However, authorities have not yet released details of the accusations against Wysolovski.
3. Hailey’s Mother Declared ‘She Is Safe’ On Social Media
A photo that Shaunna Burns posted on Facebook along with a message about Hailey being found. (Facebook)
Hailey’s mother, Shaunna Burns, wrote on Facebook that Hailey was safe after a “night of sleuthing.”
“SHE IS SAFE!!!!!” Burns wrote.
“After a night of sleuthing and driving to Georgia our sweet baby is coming home with us…Thank you to EVERYONE that shared or prayed!!!!! It’s gonna be CRAZY for a while…but I LOVE you ALL!!!!!!”
4. Hailey’s Father had Written That He Grieved for the Missing Girl Every Day
Hailey Burns.
Hailey’s disappearance took a toll on her family members, who had to wonder what had happened to her and whether she was dead or alive.
Her father wrote on Facebook on June 22: “Really miss my daughter Hailey today. I wake up every day and grieve one of many scenarios that lead me no closer to the truth. And I see her room empty and pictures around me and just wish I could hug my little girl again. I miss her so very much.. I hope you will take a moment today and hug your daughter if you are a father. Tell her how very special she is to you before you can’t. Tomorrow will mark the 13th month and the 394th day without her.”
In May, he wrote, “The fbi has announced via press release a 15k reward for information leading to finding my daughter and will be putting up billboards to hopefully assist in locating her.” In November, he wrote, “Please share as you see fit. MY daughter has not been seen and confirmed alive in almost 6 months. She is special needs and is likely in grave danger. Thank you.”
The distraught father filled his page with note after note about missing Hailey. In August, he wrote, “On May 23rd my daughter, Hailey was suddenly missing from our lives. Likely misled by an internet predator. It has been 93 days since she was taken from us. I miss my Hailey so very much. Things are different since she vanished. Our family is missing a body part and we don’t know whether she is safe, or in grave danger.”
After Hailey was found, the father wrote, “Today we found my starlight and after a brief hospital stay she will return to her home. It is a blessing from God. Please pray for our family as we work to help Hailey feel how much she has been missed. Thank you to all that have stood with us through this difficult time.”
Luckily, for this family, there was a happy ending.
5. An FBI Agent’s Tip Led to Hailey’s Recovery
Michael Ren Wysolovski.
Hailey, who has now been reunited with her family, was discovered in the Duluth home after authorities received a tip about her whereabouts. The specifics of that tip have not yet been released.
“A Special Agent in Charlotte received information that the teen may be at a home in the Atlanta area,” reported Fox 5.
This story will be updated as more details are learned about the case.
Jessica McBride is a Heavy contributor. She was a crime, government, and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and reporter for the Waukesha Freeman newspaper. Her award-winning work has appeared in numerous magazine, newspaper, and online publications. She has also appeared as a crime reporter on Investigation Discovery Channel, History Channel, and Oxygen Channel. She can be reached by email at jessica.mcbride@heavy.com.June 25, 2017 8:37 pm
powered by sue.ng a legal search engine