Dallas

Estranged Grand Prairie Couple Still Missing; CPS Removes Children From Family's Home

There is still no trace of a Grand Prairie man and woman missing since Feb. 5.

The search extended into White Rock Lake in Dallas shortly after they were reported missing.

But now, the woman's family said they'd been dealt another blow.

This time from the state, which removed the estranged couple's small children from the family.

Child Protective Services told NBC 5 Monday that there are some security concerns for the safety of the children, a 3-year-old and a 6-year old.

CPS said it could not elaborate because of the ongoing criminal investigation into the parents' disappearance.

Both Weltzin Garcia and Alfonso Hernandez's families went to Tarrant County Juvenile District Court on Monday for a hearing.

CPS confirmed the agency removed the couple's two small children on Friday and placed them in foster care.

Dallas police found Hernandez's car abandoned near a parking lot at White Rock Lake in Dallas last Tuesday morning, hours after Garcia was reported missing.

There have been several searches since then, in and around the lake, but there was no sign of either of them.

There was an active warrant for Hernandez's arrest after he allegedly assaulted Garcia several weeks ago.

He had reportedly completed anger management classes as well.

Grand Prairie police said they continue to look over evidence collected in search warrants, but continue to ask for the public's help in the disappearance.

Garcia's twin sister said having her young niece and nephew taken from her home made the family's painful situation even worse.

"It's even worse because we can't see the kids," Atziry Garcia said. "The kids need us and we need the kids because that's the only thing that we have of my sister. The kids are little and they can't understand what's going on."

The spokeswoman for CPS said the agency did not intend to make a difficult time even more difficult, but it must look out for the safety and well-being of the children.

There is a hearing set for Friday morning which could determine if the children are placed with either family or continue in foster care.

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