12-year-old boy escapes Chickasha, Oklahoma, house of horrors and survives alone for more than a week

Authorities reported 12-year-old Ryan “RJ” Davis missing in early January, and searchers found him safe on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Caddo County, Oklahoma, ending a massive search involving local authorities and volunteers.

Witnesses last saw Davis on Jan. 2, 2026, near the Quality Inn in Chickasha, where he stayed with his mother, Kimberly Cole, 33, and his stepfather, George Cole, 43. Police reported him missing the next day and later arrested both adults on multiple complaints, including child abuse, child sexual abuse, and conspiracy.

“During the conversation with them, it was learned that there was apparent harm done to this child while he was living with these two parents,” Hunter McKee, Public Information Manager for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), said.

Hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement officers, and community members joined the search after Davis disappeared. Groups from Chickasha and surrounding areas held vigils and coordinated ground teams throughout the week.

Davis found in a rural area

Volunteers with the United Cajun Navy, a search-and-rescue nonprofit, found Davis around noon on January 11 while conducting a targeted search in rural Caddo County, about 24 miles from where he was last seen.

“He was apologetic, terrified, super scared, like he was gonna be in trouble,” volunteer Thomas Gentile said, per Oklahoma news outlet KOCO. “We reassured him this wasn’t his fault. He’s safe, and we gave him a big hug.” “We had to get a tissue. I had to wipe his tears,” volunteer Luke van Ryn added.

After his discovery, authorities transported Davis to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities said he was in “pretty good shape” and in “good spirits” considering his ordeal, McKee added.

“After days of searching, after hope and prayer, we can say that the outcome that we were all hoping for has come true,” McKee said.

How did Davis survive?

Investigators are still working to understand how Davis survived alone for more than a week and whether he had help from others during that time. Authorities have not released additional details.

At a press conference, authorities said Davis may have relied on basic survival skills he already possessed. Investigators have indicated the boy knew how to find water and shelter outdoors. This likely contributed to his ability to endure the cold conditions and remain alive until searchers reached him.

Kimberly and George remain in custody at the Caddo County Jail pending prosecution. Davis is in state custody and will not be returned home to his parents, officials said.