NH couple accused of abusing child caught at Universal Studios

ORLANDO, FL (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A New Hampshire couple accused of abusing a toddler was arrested in Florida on Wednesday night.

The U.S. Marshals tell FOX 25 Roland Dow, 27, and Jessica Linscott, 23, were arrested after watching a parade at Universal Studios in Orlando as they were heading back toward the attractions area.

The couple is facing charges in the alleged abuse of Linscott's 3-year-old son, James Nicholson.

During a press conference held on Thursday, Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams said Linscott and Dow could be back in New Hampshire as early as next week if they do not choose to fight extradition; however, if the couple does, they could remain in Florida for another 30 to 45 days.

Reams also said that he told his team "good hunting" following the couple's capture; however, he was baffled by the location where the couple was caught. He could not say whether or not additional charges would be filed against the couple or any aides, but the fact that the couple fled admits a certain amount of guilt.

Authorities were able to locate Linscott and Dow, as a result of a very good tip. They took pictures of the suspects to area motels and businesses and were finally led to Universal Studios.

The Plaistow mother dropped her 3-year-old son off at a New Hampshire hospital with a brain injury, massive bruising, a visual impairment, and burns. Linscott said those injuries were self-inflicted.

James' paternal grandmother says he has undergone two brain surgeries and is beginning to regain his eyesight. She told FOX 25 the doctors are assuring her that James is going to make a full recovery.

Linscott and Dow went missing after James was dropped off at the hospital. People in Malden, Peabody, Danvers, and Lynn reported sightings of the couple before they were finally caught in Florida.

The U.S. Marshals Service in New Hampshire tells FOX 25 that the Fugitive Task Force sifted through an overwhelming number of tips to gather information on Wednesday that led them to believe the couple was in Orlando.

New Hampshire-based U.S. Marshals contacted their counterparts in Florida who then formed a team that tracked the couple to Universal Studios.

Linscott and Dow were taken to Orange County Jail where they will be held until their arraignment Friday morning on fugitive from justice charges in a Florida court room. If the couple waives extradition, they will be picked up by New Hampshire authorities and return to the state to answer the abuse allegations.

Dow is facing first and second-degree felony child abuse. Linscott is facing six counts of endangering the welfare of a child. It is currently unclear if the couple will face any additional charges.

The couple will be arraigned in Orlando on Friday.

Cox Media Group