Joseph Butler, a 10-year-old White male, was reported missing from Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 23, 2026. He disappeared along with his mother, Makala Pendley, and his six siblings. The case drew concern as it involved an entire family who had seemingly vanished while traveling.
The children were believed to be with their mother and their father, Joseph Jude Butler Jr. According to reports, an Indiana Department of Child Services family case manager officially reported Makala Pendley missing on February 25, 2026. The family had been traveling in Mexico at the time of their disappearance. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children listed all seven children as missing, and an investigation was launched to determine their whereabouts and ensure their safety.
In June 2026, there was a significant development in the case. On June 9, family members confirmed that Makala Pendley, age 30, had been found deceased in Chiapas, Mexico.
Mexican authorities opened an investigation into her death and announced that her partner, Joseph Jude Butler Jr., was the main suspect and had been taken into custody.
On the same day, authorities announced that Joseph and his six siblings had been found safe in Mexico. A state prosecutor in Chiapas confirmed the children were located, were in good health, and had been placed under protection. Authorities began working with the U.S. Embassy to coordinate their care. The case was updated in June 2026 to reflect that all seven children had been safely located.Last Seen: Feb 23, 2026
