Updated – Three Missing Sante Fe Kids Thought to Be Kidnapped by Their Father

According to the Sante Fe, New Mexico Sheriff’s Department Stephen Hilla picked up his three children who he shares custody with their mother from school on Tuesday, ostensibly to take them to lunch. Hilla and the three children have been missing ever since. His ex-wife attempted to get in touch with him after he didn’t show up after lunch and has been unsuccessful.

Hilla does have a history of criminal violence and police believe that he may be headed toward Wilmington, North Carolina, which is his home town and supposedly he has a job waiting for him there. The Sheriff’s Office checked with his current employer in New Mexico and according to them he hasn’t shown up for work in several days.

The three children are Justin (10), Timmy (10) and Emily (8). Hilla is 6’4″, 170 lbs and has blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen driving a dark blue Dodge Ram 1500 two wheel drive pickup with New Mexico license plates 1001-PTD. He may also have two dogs with him as well, a black Chow-Labrador mix and a red and tan miniature dachshund. Hilla is on probation for domestic battery and is considered dangerous.

Updated 12/11/09 – Hilla’s record of arrests includes DUI, Aggravated Assault, Shooting Inside a Dwelling, Tampering With Evidence, Abandonment or Abuse of a Child (several times), Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Driving With a Suspended License and Civil Actions for Breach of Contract.

On the 8th Hilla was tracked as far as Amarillo and an officer even ran his plates but at that point in time there was no warrant out for his arrest.