Jessica Tata Captured (U.S. Marshals photo)
CAPTURE UPDATE
: Jessica Tata, a U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitive, was taken into custody over the weekend at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Authorities say Tata was taken down Saturday in Port Harcourt, Nigeria by Interpol and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security agents. Tata appeared at 4 a.m. in front of a judge and she will have another court appearance sometime in the next couple of days. She is currently being held without bond.BACKGROUND: The U.S. Marshals have added Texas daycare provider Jessica Renee Tatato their Top 15 Most Wanted fugitive list. According to the U.S. Marshals, Tata is charged and wanted on four counts of manslaughter, six counts of reckless injury to a child, three counts of abandoning a child under 15 and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The U.S. Marshals are working to track down a daycare provider from Texas who fled to Nigeria. Authorities say Jessica Renee Tata was operating a daycare center inside her Houston home when she left seven children, aged 18 months to 3 years, unattended to go shopping. When Tata returned home, her house was on fire, and the toddlers were trapped inside, killing four. Investigators believe she left a pot of oil on the stove.
