The father of a missing seven-year-old girl, who's believed to be on the run with an Ohio fugitive with ties to a Miami murder, is talking only to NBC 6.
Jala Barnett was last scene at the Sunshine Inn Motel with her mother Kristy and her stepfather Michael Evans, who is on the run from Ohio.
NBC 6 spoke to James Barnett on the phone from his home in Ohio. He shares custody of his daughter and says he's very concerned about her safety and the safety of his ex-girlfriend.
He has also known the fugitive they are with for decades. They grew up together in a small town in Ohio.
"My daughter is a vibrant, very smart kid... very smart she loves to read books, just a colorful kid," James Barnett said about Jala, who has been missing since early last month. "I just want her to know that, you know, her family loves her dearly. We are concerned about her, we think about her every day. We're not blaming anybody, we just want her home."
Jala disappeared more than a month ago with her mother Kristy and her husband Michael Evans.
Police say they have a history of drug problems and Evans escaped house arrest in Ohio.
Local
The trio ended up a thousand miles away, last spotted at the Miami motel on Flagler Street.
They were staying inside the same room where 46-year-old Joe Moniz was found murdered Saturday morning. The couple is now wanted for questioning in the case.
"Of course me being a parent I'm very concerned especially at this point with this body involved and stuff... I'm very concerned," Barnett said.
Police believe the family could be in one of two cars, a blue Audi convertible or a blue Ford Escort.
NBC 6 also spoke exclusively with the fugitive's grandmother from her home where Evans escaped house arrest. Lois Gordon said he vowed never to return to prison and worries the search could result in a violent end.
"I'm just shaking inside because I don't think they'll ever take him alive and his sister feels the same way," Gordon said. "He said he would never go back to prison... he said that he would take that bracelet off and I said 'don't be silly.'"
She said he disappeared four days later.
A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered in the case. If you spot any of these individuals call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Anyone with information on Jala's whereabouts is asked to contact FDLE or the Miami Police Department at 305-603-6350.
