Kidnapped Springfield child safe, mother arrested in Jasper County

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On January 9, 2019, at approximately 7:45 a.m., 4-year old Matthew Bivens was located with his mother, Rosemary Bivens, at a Greyhound bus station in Joplin, MO. Joplin PD, Jasper County Sheriffs and Duenweg PD responded to the location after being notified by employees of the bus station.

Matthew Bivens appeared to be in good health but is being looked over by medical professionals as a precaution.

Bivens was taken into custody by the Department of Social Services who will then release him to his father, Michael Nutt.

Rosemary Bivens was taken into custody without incident and will be placed on a $10,000 bond for a warrant out of Greene County.

Original news release

On January 3, 2019, Matthew Bivens, 4, was taken by his mother, Rosemary Bivens, after she was allowed to take the child shopping in Springfield. Rosemary never returned with the child and her location is unknown at this time. The investigation has revealed that Rosemary may be traveling back to California, though she does not have a vehicle. Investigators also fear for Matthew’s wellbeing due to Rosemary being homeless, her past drug use and no adequate means of caring for Matthew. Matthew’s father, Michael Nutt, lives in Springfield and has sole physical custody.

Matthew Bivens is approximately 4 feet tall, 45 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Matthew was last seen wearing black/white tennis shoes, tan pants, a red and blue Spiderman coat, and a red and blue beanie hat with a ball on top. Matthew was last seen at 1830 E. Page Street Apt. B4. Matthew has been entered as an endangered and missing child.

Rosemary Bivens is a 37-year-old white female. She is approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and 190 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. Anyone with information related to Matthew Bivens' whereabouts should immediately call 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.