SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Two Utah residents are facing federal charges of international parental kidnapping after authorities say they took a child out of the United States and traveled to Cuba without proper custody authorization.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, the two individuals — identified as Rose Inessa-Ethington, 42, and Blue Inessa-Ethington, 32 — were returned to the United States from Cuba in connection with the case.

Authorities say that on March 28, 2026, the pair left with two children — a 10-year-old and a 3-year-old — and were believed to be heading to Alberta, Canada, for a planned camping trip. Rose shares custody of the 10-year-old with the child’s mother. However, the group never arrived at their intended hotel in Calgary or their reserved campground.

The child had reportedly told their mother earlier in March that they had arrived in Canada and were expected to return to her custody on April 3, but the child was not returned as scheduled.

Investigators later determined the group crossed into Canada and flew from Vancouver to Mexico City. From there, they traveled to Mérida, Mexico, before taking a flight to Havana, Cuba, on April 1.

On April 13, after the child had not been returned, a Utah court granted the mother full custody. Just days later, on April 16, Cuban authorities located the group and coordinated efforts that resulted in the child being safely returned to the mother.

“We are grateful to law enforcement for acting quickly to ensure the child’s safe return,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak.

According to the indictment, the case also involves family concerns about the child’s welfare. Relatives had expressed fears prior to the disappearance and reported concerns about the child being taken abroad.

During a search of the suspects’ residence, investigators reportedly found notes and lists suggesting preparations for international travel, including tasks such as learning Spanish and managing finances. Authorities also recovered materials related to medical care planning for minors.

Rose and Blue Inessa-Ethington have been charged with international parental kidnapping, as well as aiding and abetting.

“Our priority in every parental kidnapping case is the safety and well-being of the child,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls in Salt Lake City. “This case highlights the importance of strong law enforcement partnerships in locating children, supporting reunification, and ensuring accountability.”