Crawford County, Arkansas – Authorities say a local mother orchestrated an alarming fake kidnapping involving her mentally disabled daughter, claiming she was desperate to stop the young woman from communicating with strangers on the internet.
Officials confirmed that Tamara “Tammi” Hamby, 59, turned herself in this week and now faces multiple charges, including endangering an incompetent person and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Three others accused of assisting in the plan were also arrested.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to an arrest affidavit, Hamby allegedly created a scheme meant to scare her 22-year-old daughter, who believed she had been communicating with country music star Luke Bryan online. The family had reportedly struggled for months to convince her that the individual messaging her was a scammer.
Her husband, Jeffrey Hamby, said the situation had escalated.
“We tried everything, and she has not stopped communicating with him, and he was going to get her. He was going to take her,” he told investigators.
Police say Hamby’s solution was extreme. She allegedly asked Shannon Childers, a live-in certified nurse assistant caring for the daughter, to help arrange a fake kidnapping involving two additional participants.
The Alleged Plan and How It Unfolded
Childers later brought in David Quach and Nico Austria. The group agreed that the men would arrive in ski masks, claim they were sent by Luke Bryan, and take the daughter to a nearby field where she would be restrained.
Investigators say the plan was carried out on November 17, when Quach and Austria appeared at the home. Wearing masks, they allegedly told the daughter: “Luke sent us today. It’s now or never.” She voluntarily left with them, carrying her guitar and teddy bear.
Authorities say Austria became lost and drove to the wrong field. Despite the confusion, the men allegedly zip-tied the young woman to a tree, threatened to hurt her, and left her alone. She managed to escape but was recaptured, tied a second time, and left again. Police said Tammi Hamby watched the staged abduction unfold from a distance.
The daughter ultimately broke free once more and ran to a nearby home, where she called 911.
What Deputies Found After the 911 Call
A Crawford County deputy who interviewed the woman described her as terrified.
The affidavit notes that the victim “was in fear for her life and clung tightly to a teddy bear the entirety of the interview.”
She was later placed into protective custody under the Arkansas Department of Human Services following an emergency petition.
Arrests, Charges, and Bonds
Authorities arrested Tammi Hamby, Childers, Quach, and Austria.
- Hamby’s bond: $125,000 (posted)
- Others: $25,000 each
All four are charged with endangering an incompetent person, with Hamby facing the additional conspiracy charge.
Police stated that Jeffrey Hamby was not involved in the plan and will not face charges.
Hamby’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 10.
Why This Case Raises Broader Concerns
Officials say the incident highlights the growing risks surrounding online impersonation, romance scams, and vulnerable adults who may not recognize digital threats. While parents and caregivers often face difficult decisions when protecting dependents with disabilities, law enforcement emphasized that illegal and dangerous actions can create far greater harm.
Cases involving staged crimes or false reports can drain emergency resources, place victims in extreme distress, and result in serious legal consequences.
What Happens Next
The investigation is ongoing as DHS determines long-term care plans for the daughter. Prosecutors will present evidence in the upcoming hearing, and additional details may emerge about the planning and motives behind the staged abduction.
Residents following the case continue to express shock, especially over the level of coordination alleged among multiple adults.
If you have thoughts on this case or want to share your perspectives on online safety and vulnerable adults, share your experiences in the comments below.
