National Campaign Launched to Solve Cold Case of Baby Kevin Verville's Kidnapping

The ongoing efforts to find long-lost children take a significant step forward as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) teams up with GSTV in an ambitious nationwide campaign. This campaign, designed to bring attention to the 1980 kidnapping case of Kevin Verville Jr., is set to run from July 1 to July 31, highlighting the emotional weight of a family longing for closure.

Kevin was abducted when just a diaper-clad infant, a mere 17 days old, in Oceanside, California. On that fateful day, a woman posing as a representative from a military family support organization tricked Kevin's mother into leaving a safe space. The aftermath has haunted the Verville family for over four decades, leading to their hope dwindling as the years passed, and the case grew colder. However, with this new initiative, they are reigniting that hope.

National Spotlight on Kevin’s Case

The digital video network GSTV, boasting a presence in over 29,000 retail gas stations across 49 states, is generously donating airtime to showcase Kevin's updated likeness. This forensic artist's depiction aims to illustrate how he might look today, providing a visual connection for viewers who might have encountered him over the years. In recent times, many children missing for an extended period have been successfully identified or located through similar visibility campaigns. GSTV's partnership with NCMEC since 2019 has already proven fruitful in raising awareness about other missing children, making this nationwide spotlight even more critical.

A Call to the Public

"This is a vital initiative because an effective outreach can lead to someone recognizing Kevin or knowing something relevant about his case," stated Angeline Hartmann, NCMEC's Director of Communications. In an emotional plea, she expressed the family’s burdens, emphasizing the potential for national awareness to stir a long-held hope for answers. The urgency is underscored by the belief that Kevin could still be living under an assumed identity, unaware of his past and the circumstances under which he was taken from his family. The campaign presents a chance for individuals from all walks of life to participate in a collective effort to bring Kevin home.

The Power of Community Involvement

Supporting this campaign aligns closely with GSTV's mission to leverage its network for positive community impact. As Violeta Ivezaj, Senior Vice President at GSTV, shared, "The opportunity to shine a spotlight on Kevin's case epitomizes the essence of our partnership with NCMEC; every family deserves closure. Efforts like these demonstrate how broader community awareness can facilitate outcomes that seemed impossible before."

How to Help

In addition to airing the footage throughout the month, Kevin's image can also be accessed online via the NCMEC's platforms, which continually work to keep the public informed about ongoing cases. Viewers are urged to look out for his likeness during their everyday travels, especially at participating fuel retailers. If anyone has information on Kevin's whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the NCMEC hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

As July unfolds, both NCMEC and GSTV are prepared to make remarkable strides in the mission to find Kevin Verville. Their campaign underscores the critical importance of public engagement in resolving cold cases and demonstrates the power of community action when it comes to seeking justice and closure for families in crisis. The Verville family encourages everyone to spread the word and keep their eyes open to foster renewed hope where it is needed most.