Gabriel Johnson was last seen in San Antonio with his 23-year-old mother, Elizabeth Johnson of Tempe, Ariz. Authorities say Johnson spent Dec. 22-27 at two motels there.
Johnson was arrested last week in Miami Beach, Fla., on suspicion of custodial interference after she failed to show up for a custodial hearing in Phoenix. Authorities say she refuses to say where her son is.
Johnson's white Oldsmobile was found at a San Antonio motel Tuesday. A baby seat and other items were inside, and there were no obvious signs of violence, said FBI spokesman Eric Vasys.
The boy's father, Logan McQueary, said during a Monday in Tempe that he had received a text message from Johnson telling him she had killed their son. But McQueary said he had "a feeling" the boy was still alive.
McQueary said Johnson had approached him about giving up his parental rights to Gabriel, saying another couple wanted to adopt him, but McQueary refused her request.
"Is she saying these things to hurt the father or would she actually hurt her own baby?" said Tempe police Sgt. Steve Carbajal. "We don't know yet. We're hoping the baby is in good condition and will be returned safely."
