Who is Spring Thibaudeau? Arizona teen Blaze Thibaudeau who was abducted by his doomsday-believing mother is found safe
GILBERT, ARIZONA: A missing Arizona teenager, Blaze Thibaudeau, who was abducted by his doomsday-believing mother, Spring Thibaudeau, was found safe near the Canada border in Alaska.
Blaze, 16, was discovered along with his sister, Abigail Snarr, 23, and his uncle, Brook Hale, at the Alcan Port of Entry.
Reportedly, Spring was convinced that Blaze was the "key" to the Second Coming of Christ and believed he needed to be taken to an undisclosed location for a divine calling.
The investigation revealed that the 16-year-old had been flown to the border from his home in Gilbert, Arizona via Idaho. Concerns about his safety arose when his family couldn't contact him, leading to the issuance of warrants for Spring and Hale's arrest.
Spring Thibaudeau and Brook Hale were arrested and slapped with charges for abduction of Blaze Thibaudeau
On Friday, October 27, Alaska State Troopers successfully located Blaze Thibaudeau as well as arrested Spring Thibaudeau and Brook Hale. They are facing charges of custodial interference and conspiracy to commit custodial interference in Arizona, while Abigail Snarr was not charged.
Blaze's father, Ben Thibaudeau, who was granted temporary sole custody of the teen, had reported his son missing on Wednesday, October 25, and expressed concerns about his wife's behavior.
As per East Idaho News, Ben said, "They see him as a Davidic servant (chosen individual) who plays a significant role in the Savior's return. They feel they needed to take him to an undisclosed location where he would receive his calling and understand his role in the Second Coming."
He added, "I fear for his safety, especially if my son is contentious, rebellious, or belligerent. I fear that my brother-in-law would restrain him or do something that would incapacitate him."
Abigail's husband, Brayden Snarr, recounted her growing fixation on apocalyptic beliefs, which eventually led to her departure from their home. She had reportedly purchased survival gear, and the family had discussions about the Second Coming for hours on end.
"The apartment was a mess," stated Brayden, adding, "She had gone and purchased a bunch of hunting and utility camping gear from Sportsman's Warehouse. And in utter shock, she told me that it was time for us to leave and that I needed to go with her."
Brayden Snarr initially played along to his wife Abigail Snarr's doomsday claims
Brayden also divulged how he went along with Abigail Snarr's claims initially, even helping her stock up on years' worth of food.
"I was comfortable doing it because I think preparedness is something that we should strive for," said the husband, adding, "But over time, it started to get more and more, for lack of a better term, radical. It started to get more deep, and she connected with a bunch of different individuals with similar beliefs."
According to him, the family would talk about the Second Coming for hours, with Abigail even convincing him about leaving their home should it become necessary.
"My response to her was yes, if we were to be invaded by another country or our lives were in jeopardy, I would obviously not be in Phoenix in my apartment. I would leave — thinking that's what she meant by that. But her beliefs continued to spiral down and down to the point where on Monday morning she said, 'It's time to go'."
The family's religious background as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had been the foundation of their beliefs, but Spring's fanaticism apparently intensified after attending energy healing sessions. She began having dreams about the end of the world, which she considered prophecies.
"She started spending a significant amount of money on food prep. She was buying a lot of winter gear, even though we live in Arizona. She was buying tents. She was convinced that the saints would have to gather in the last days up in the mountains, and she was preparing for that," said Ben about Spring.
Blaze Thibaudeau's uncle's alarming actions raise concerns
Blaze Thibaudeau's uncle, Brook Hale, apparently prepared a "last will and testament," withdrew $50,000 in cash, and started dividing his assets, raising further concerns regarding the safety of the 16-year-old. "I'm very concerned that my son is in danger and that his uncle could be the aggressor if things don't go the right way," Ben previously stated.
Blaze's father was adamant that his son had no interest in his mother's conspiracies and had likely been signed out of school under the pretense of a birthday trip.
"He is in no way a supporter of anything she's ever believed," explained the father.
Ben continued, "He is your typical teenager, and all he wants to do is hang out with friends and be on his phone. He's on the football team and has worked so hard to be on that football team. They still have games left this season. There's no way that he would he would have gone along with it."
This harrowing situation unfolded in the context of Blaze's parents' separation, despite them still following family routines like shared dinners and church attendance.
The case bears unsettling similarities to other instances of individuals drawn into doomsday scenarios, such as the notorious case of Lori Vallow, who became obsessed with apocalyptic beliefs and moved her children to be with religious enthusiast Chad Daybell.