On the same day of his disappearance, the body of six year old John William Hampton was discovered not far from his home. His father, Joe Hampton was tried and convicted of his son's murder. The prosecution had made strong allegations that the child's mother, Mary Lynn, had been aware of previous abuse. After the sentencing of Joe Hampton, the judge added: "To assure the safety of the Hampton's four year old child, Molly Jane, I'm removing her from her mother's care. Custody will be granted to her maternal aunt, Laura Wilson, and Ted Wilson who I understand to be in good standing with the courts." As the crowd dispersed, Laura said to her sister, "I will see to it that Molly Jane is safe - like you should have done for John William." Mary Lynn wholeheartedly believing in her husband's innocence, and denying all allegations of abuse, says to reporters, as cameras flash: "I will find the murderer of my son and when the truth is known, Joe and Molly Jane will come home to me."