The community of Tavares, Florida, is grappling with the urgent and heart-wrenching disappearance of 5-year-old Jace Saunders, a vulnerable child whose safety has become the focal point of an intense search effort. Authorities have declared Jace endangered due to his young age, semi-verbal communication skills, and autism diagnosis, all of which heighten the challenges of locating and ensuring his well-being. The child was last seen on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at approximately 1:19 PM in the Southside area of Tavares, near Summerall Park. Officials suspect he was unlawfully taken by a family member during an ongoing Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigation, intensifying the urgency of the search.
The case began when Tavares police received a call reporting the sudden and unexplained disappearance of Jace Saunders. According to witnesses, the child was last seen wearing dark blue pajamas with a graphic design on the front, details corroborated by a recently released photo provided by his family. Standing approximately 3 feet tall with short brown hair and a slight build, Jace is semi-verbal and communicates primarily through gestures and limited speech, a characteristic that has made locating him particularly critical. His autism diagnosis means he may struggle to respond to unfamiliar individuals or environments, adding to concerns for his safety as the hours pass.
Investigators quickly expanded their efforts upon receiving information that Jace might be with his maternal grandmother, Kelly Dasilva, who is believed to have taken him from the Southside neighborhood. Preliminary findings suggest that Dasilva may have been driving a black Honda Accord, although reports also mention the possibility of her using an unidentified passenger vehicle. Authorities have indicated that the circumstances surrounding Jace’s disappearance are tied to an active investigation by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), a revelation that underscores the potential risks to his safety. While officials have refrained from disclosing specific details about the DCF case, they confirmed that Jace was under the supervision of protective services at the time of his disappearance, raising serious concerns about his current whereabouts and well-being.
The case has mobilized local law enforcement, community members, and child advocacy organizations. Within hours of the report, the Tavares Police Department issued a statewide Missing Child Alert, disseminating Jace’s photo and description to media outlets, social media platforms, and digital highway billboards. The alert also included information about Kelly Dasilva and her suspected vehicle, urging the public to report any sightings or relevant information immediately. Police Chief Mark Thomas addressed the media late Saturday afternoon, emphasizing the critical nature of the case. “Time is of the essence,” he stated. “Every minute that Jace remains missing increases the risk to his safety. We are exhausting all resources to bring him home.”
Jace’s disappearance has struck a chord in the Tavares community, prompting an outpouring of support and offers of assistance. Volunteers have organized search parties to comb the Southside neighborhood and nearby wooded areas, while local businesses have donated supplies to aid in the effort. The Saunders family, visibly distraught, has appealed to the public for help, releasing a statement through a family spokesperson. “Jace is a sweet, loving little boy who lights up the lives of everyone who knows him,” the statement read. “We are desperate to bring him home and ask anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have shared critical details about the ongoing search. Surveillance footage from residential security cameras in the Southside area is being reviewed to trace Dasilva’s movements, while roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints have been established on major thoroughfares leading out of Tavares. Neighboring law enforcement agencies, including the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), have joined the effort, pooling resources and personnel to expand the search radius. Additionally, the FBI has been notified, given the possibility that Dasilva may attempt to cross state lines with the child. Agents specializing in child abduction cases are now working alongside local investigators to piece together the timeline of events leading to Jace’s disappearance.
The circumstances surrounding Dasilva’s actions remain unclear, but sources close to the investigation suggest that her alleged abduction of Jace may have been an act of desperation stemming from the DCF investigation. While no prior criminal record for Dasilva has been disclosed, family members have described her as “deeply devoted” to Jace, raising questions about her motivations and the potential risks associated with her decision to take him. Child psychologists consulted by media outlets have emphasized the complex dynamics that often accompany family abduction cases, noting that while the abducting relative may believe they are acting in the child’s best interest, such actions can expose the child to significant emotional and physical harm.
The case has also drawn attention to broader systemic issues surrounding child welfare and the challenges faced by agencies like DCF in balancing the rights of biological families with the safety and well-being of children in their care. Critics have pointed to the case as an example of the need for enhanced oversight and interagency coordination to prevent situations where vulnerable children are placed at further risk. In a statement released Saturday evening, a DCF representative expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting the investigation and ensuring Jace’s safe return. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care,” the statement read. “We are working closely with law enforcement to locate Jace and will continue to provide all necessary support to his family during this difficult time.”
The search for Jace has also highlighted the role of the community in responding to crises involving missing children. Residents of Tavares and surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Jace, Dasilva, or the suspected vehicle to the authorities. Law enforcement officials have stressed the importance of providing accurate and timely information, noting that false leads can divert resources away from critical investigative efforts. At the same time, they have encouraged community members to share Jace’s photo and description widely on social media, a strategy that has proven effective in resolving similar cases in the past.
As the hours turn into days, the focus remains on bringing Jace home safely. While the outcome of the search remains uncertain, the collective determination of law enforcement, community members, and advocacy organizations offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise harrowing situation. For now, Tavares stands united in its resolve to find Jace and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice and safety for the child. The coming days will be critical, not only in locating Jace but also in addressing the broader implications of the case and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jace Saunders or his grandmother, Kelly Dasilva, is urged to contact the Tavares Police Department at (352) 555-1212 or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Children Information Clearinghouse. Tipsters can also provide information anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-423-TIPS. When reporting information, please reference Case Number T24120625. Time is of the essence, and every detail matters in the effort to reunite Jace with his family and ensure his safety.
