Elizabeth Thomas and Tad Cummins News: Psychologist Believes Teen Has Conflicting Feelings Towards Alleged Abductor
After Elizabeth Thomas broke her silence regarding her alleged abduction under the hands of her high school teacher Tad Cummins, a psychologist claimed that the 16-year-old might still be confused about her feelings regarding her abductor.
In an interview with People, Stevens claimed that sexual crime victims like Thomas normally feel mix emotions towards the person who abducted them.
"Kids who are abused often are very attached to their abusers," Stevens stated. "On one hand, [Elizabeth] objectively understands she was [allegedly] kidnapped by this man, but because she was [allegedly] 'groomed,' her feelings are telling her that maybe this guy still loves her."
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The psychologist also claimed that the Tennessee teenager who went missing with her former high school teacher in March could still be having a hard time dealing with guilt for what she did to her family and what Cummins is currently going through. She was only 15-years-old when the incident happened.
The authorities launched a nationwide search for the schoolgirl and the 51-year-old high school teacher after her family reported her disappearance on March 13. The manhunt lasted for 38 days when they were spotted outside a remote cabin in Cecilville, California on April 20.
The duo reportedly posed as husband and wife from Colorado while renting the cabin in the heavily wooded area.
Thomas mentioned in her interview with Columbia Daily Herald that she has no qualms about running away from her hometown with Cummins that resulted to an Amber Alert.
"I don't regret it, nor do I say it was the right thing to do. It was an experience I'll have to live with the rest of my life. It's good and bad. It's there. No matter what we do, we'll have to deal with it," the high school student stated.
Cummins has been filed with one federal count of transportation of a minor across state lines for the intention of criminal sexual intercourse, as well as charges of aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor.
