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Utah mother says another parent allegedly kidnapped her 11-year-old over bullying claim

Amberlee Collazo says her son Kristopher was stopped while on his bike in September 2025, forced into a car and driven to the other parent's home; the accused, Shannon Tufuga, faces felony kidnapping and aggravated child abuse charges.

Mar 27th 2026 ยท United States

Insights

  • The incident occurred in September 2025 when prosecutors say Shannon Tufuga stopped 11-year-old Kristopher, forced him into her car and threatened him.
  • Prosecutors allege Tufuga drove the boy to her home and forced him to apologize to her child over an alleged bullying incident.
  • Tufuga faces felony charges of child kidnapping and aggravated child abuse.
  • Kristopher told his mother he was going to apologize and has since reported anxiety and emotional distress.
  • Tufuga's defense denies the allegations and the Provo City School District said a neighboring district is investigating to avoid a conflict of interest.