Stepmom Charged In Death of 6-Year-Old

JASPER, TX -- Authorities have released new details in the disappearance and subsequent death of 6-year-old Samuel Olson.

While authorities have not received official confirmation from the medical examiner -- they believe the body belongs to the missing child.

Samuel had just turned six over the weekend and was initially reported missing by his father's fiance, Theresa Balboa.

Balboa initially told police Samuel's biological mother, Sarah Olson, took the child from her home on May 27th. She claimed Olson had arrived at the house with an unknown officer who told her she would go to jail if she did not relinquish custody of the child.

Samuel's father, Dalton Olson, contacted his ex-wife who said the child was not with her. Local authorities confirmed Sarah Olson was in her home at the time Balboa claimed she showed up to take Samuel.

Balboa went missing on Monday, May 31st after she went to post flyers for Samuel.

After receiving an anonymous tip, police searched a room at the Best Western Inn late Tuesday night. Inside they found Balboa and a deceased body presumed to be Samuel.

Balboa has been charged with tampering with evidence. Additional charges may be pending after the remains are officially identified as Samuel and a cause of death is established.

According to local media outlets, Balboa was arrested back in November of 2020 after she assaulted and impeded the breathing of Dalton Olson.

Initially, Olson obtained a restraining against Balboa -- but that was eventually dropped and the couple reunited.

After Samuel's disappearance gathered attention, Balboa and Olson talked to local media sharing their story.