Stephen Montoya/Fort Worth Magazine
Sundance Square employee, Christianne Simmons holds the baby Jesus in her arms before gently placing him back in the manger.
The most talked about kidnapping since the Lindberg baby has been resolved.
Baby Jesus, who was taken from the Nativity scene in Sundance Square in the early morning hours on Saturday night by two rascals — what is a Nativity scene after all without two asses — has been returned to his manger after being found by Fort Worth police.
Here’s guessing alcohol played a role in the abduction.
Officials declined to say whether good, old-fashioned detective work was at play; if a bright north star led law enforcement to his whereabouts; or if they simply stumbled over him while at lunch.
A police spokesman declined to elaborate, saying the case remains an active investigation, but said no arrests have been made.
“We’re thankful for everybody who helped return baby Jesus to us,” says Zach Murphy, a director of security for Sundance Square. “The Fort Worth Police Department did a great job. And not only the police, but the community as well, spreading the message on social media.
“That’s what special about Fort Worth. Everybody cares.”
Christianne Simmons, another Sundance Square employee, did the honors of returning baby Jesus to his rightful place. We’re not sure why she was picked to put him back, and she wasn’t either. Right time, right place.
However, the odd coincidence that her name is Christ-i-anne was just pointed out to me as I type by colleague Stephen Montoya.
Sundance Square security has officers on patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The abductors’ timing was simply just perfect.
They couldn’t evade the cameras, however. Sundance Square has more cameras than the Fort Knox Bullion Depository. One perp was shown in the act of nabbing the bambino. Clearly visible in another frame is second man.
The story spread like a wild fire in Palo Pinto County. When TMZ picks up the story, you know it’s big.
Then again, we’re talking about the son of God.
In the aftermath of the incident, Murphy says Sundance Square management has stepped up patrols on the weekend when drunken miscreants are more likely to roam the streets. (Editor’s note: We also don’t throw stones at glass houses around here.)
A few media outlets met the Sundance Square contingent at the Nativity scene.
“We’re very happy to have him back before Christmas,” Murphy says. “We’re happy it turned out well."