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The wife of Tad Cummins, 50, whom the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says kidnapped 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas and remains at large, is seeking a divorce.
CNN reported that Jill Cummins cited irreconcilable differences and said Tad Cummins is "guilty of inappropriate marital conduct."
A nationwide alert was issued March 17 after Elizabeth was last seen at 8 a.m. March 13 at a Columbus, Tennessee, restaurant after a friend dropped her off.
Tad Cummins is described as white, 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be armed with two handguns and driving a Silver Nissan Rogue, with Tennessee tag 976ZPT.
Elizabeth is described as white, with blond hair and hazel eyes, 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds.
Jill Cummins pleaded for her husband to come home at a March 17 news conference as authorities searched for him. He is on Tennessee's Top 10 Most Wanted list.
“Tad, this is not you. This is not who you are,” she said. “Please do the right thing and turn yourself in to the police and bring Beth home. ... We can help you get through this. No matter how far you've gone or what is happening right now, God's grace is sufficient for you and he wants you to come home.”
The teen and the accused kidnapper were spotted in Oklahoma March 15 but authorities did not receive a tip about it until March 23.
WSMV reported that Jill Cummins issued the following statement March 31 through her attorney:
Today Jill Walters Cummins filed for divorce from Tad Cummins, her husband of 31 years. The filing of the divorce complaint is the first step to removing Jill from this situation. Jill will attempt to move forward with her life. This is a difficult time for her and her family.
She would appreciate the media and the public respecting her need for privacy during these trying times.
Jill continues to pray for the safe return of Elizabeth Thomas and for a peaceful resolution to this ordeal.
Cox Media Group
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