Bourne, Massachusetts, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Two young children, Isabella Casali (6) and Christian Casali (4), were reported missing in Bourne, Massachusetts, but were quickly located safe thanks to public help. Their mother, Vanessa Downer (28), who does not have legal custody, is now in custody following an active arrest warrant for suspected kidnapping. Authorities expressed gratitude to the community for their rapid assistance in resolving the situation.
Bourne, Massachusetts
Two children, Isabella Casali (6) and Christian Casali (4), were reported missing in Bourne, Massachusetts. Local authorities later confirmed the children were recovered and a noncustodial parent is in custody.
What happened — key facts
Two children, Isabella Casali (6) and Christian Casali (4), were reported missing in Bourne, Massachusetts.
The children were last seen with their mother, Vanessa Downer (28), on Thursday before being reported missing on Friday.
Vanessa Downer does not have legal custody of the children, according to a court order.
Bourne police sought assistance from the public and law enforcement to locate the missing family members.
Police believed Downer and the children may have been traveling out of state, potentially to Florida.
An active arrest warrant had been issued for Vanessa Downer on suspicion of kidnapping of a minor by a relative.
Within about 90 minutes of requesting public assistance, police announced that the children had been found safe.
The children were located with the help of Massachusetts State Police.
Vanessa Downer is in custody following the successful recovery of her children.
Bourne police expressed gratitude toward the community and law enforcement partners for their assistance.
Additional details regarding the situation will be provided at a later date.
Bourne police initially had not been able to contact Downer, prompting concerns for the children’s safety.
Police encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Bourne Police Department.
Immediate response and outcome
Bourne police issued an urgent request for public and law enforcement help after determining the children were last seen with their mother and that the mother did not have legal custody according to a court order. Officers also reported they were unable to reach the mother, which heightened concern for the children’s welfare.
Investigators treated the case as a possible out-of-state movement and listed Florida as a potential destination while an active arrest warrant was sought. State and local resources were mobilized, and Massachusetts State Police provided assistance in tracking and locating the family.
Authorities moved quickly after seeking public assistance. Within about 90 minutes of requesting public assistance, police announced that the children had been found safe. The children were located with the help of Massachusetts State Police, and the noncustodial mother, Vanessa Downer (28), is in custody following the successful recovery of her children.
Next steps and community guidance
Bourne police indicated that additional information about the investigation will be released as it becomes available. The department also expressed appreciation for the public response and for partner agencies that aided in the search and recovery operation.
Police encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Bourne Police Department. Community cooperation and rapid sharing of tips were credited with helping expedite the safe recovery of the children.
Background context
Child welfare and custody issues were central to the case, as Vanessa Downer does not have legal custody of the children, according to a court order. Once concerns arose that the mother could not be contacted, law enforcement moved to locate the children and to secure an arrest warrant on suspicion of kidnapping of a minor by a relative.
Officials have stated that further details will be provided at a later date as the investigation continues and as any related legal matters proceed through appropriate channels.
FAQ
Q: Who were the children reported missing?
A: Two children, Isabella Casali (6) and Christian Casali (4), were reported missing in Bourne, Massachusetts.
Q: When were the children last seen?
A: The children were last seen with their mother, Vanessa Downer (28), on Thursday before being reported missing on Friday.
Q: Does the mother have custody?
A: Vanessa Downer does not have legal custody of the children, according to a court order.
Q: Did police suspect the family had left the state?
A: Police believed Downer and the children may have been traveling out of state, potentially to Florida.
Q: Was there an arrest warrant?
A: An active arrest warrant had been issued for Vanessa Downer on suspicion of kidnapping of a minor by a relative.
Q: Were the children found?
A: Within about 90 minutes of requesting public assistance, police announced that the children had been found safe.
Q: Who helped locate the children?
A: The children were located with the help of Massachusetts State Police.
Q: Is the mother in custody?
A: Vanessa Downer is in custody following the successful recovery of her children.
Q: Did police ask for public help?
A: Bourne police sought assistance from the public and law enforcement to locate the missing family members.
Q: Did police thank the community?
A: Bourne police expressed gratitude toward the community and law enforcement partners for their assistance.
Q: Will more information be released?
A: Additional details regarding the situation will be provided at a later date.
Q: How can someone report information?
A: Police encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Bourne Police Department.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Bourne, Massachusetts |
| Children reported missing | Two children, Isabella Casali (6) and Christian Casali (4), were reported missing in Bourne, Massachusetts. |
| Last seen with | The children were last seen with their mother, Vanessa Downer (28), on Thursday before being reported missing on Friday. |
| Custody status | Vanessa Downer does not have legal custody of the children, according to a court order. |
| Law enforcement action | An active arrest warrant had been issued for Vanessa Downer on suspicion of kidnapping of a minor by a relative. |
| Recovery | Within about 90 minutes of requesting public assistance, police announced that the children had been found safe. The children were located with the help of Massachusetts State Police. |
| Current custody | Vanessa Downer is in custody following the successful recovery of her children. |
| Public guidance | Police encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Bourne Police Department. |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Turn to 10
- Cape Cod
- WHDH
- WCVB
- Wikipedia: Child custody
- Google Search: Bourne Massachusetts missing children
- Google Scholar: custodial kidnapping
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidnapping
- Google News: Bourne Massachusetts missing children
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