. >> reporter: their 15-year-old daughter, elizabeth thomas, rescued this morning after being allegedly kidnapped nearly six weeks ago by her 50-year-old teacher, tad cummins. >> we know she's been through a lot of trauma, more trauma than just about any child should ever have to even imagine. >> reporter: police acting on a tip they received late last night. >> around 11:00 central last night, from an individual in california who indicated he may have encountered tad cummins and elizabeth thomas. the suggests of an ongoing amber alert. >> reporter: authorities closing in on an extremely remote area in northern california. >> the caller indicated they had taken up residence in a cabin in a remote area in cecilville, california, within the last week and a half. >> reporter: police found the silver nissan suv parked near one of these cabins. the same car cummins was seen fueling the day the two disappeared. >> authorities in siskiyou county kept this car under surveillance for several hours. and as daylight broke this morning, they were able to take tad cummins into custody and safely rec

midnight, so he had watch mid son with my mom the day before. >> reporter: his former student, elizabeth thomas, was seen being dropped off early the morning of march 15th at a restaurant in columbia, tennessee. but before she left, her sister says elizabeth woke her up with a warning. >> she said, if i'm not back by 6:00, you need to come find me, call the cops. >> reporter: a short time later this security footage showing him filling his suv at a nearby gas station. days earlier he took out a $4,500 cash loan. sources telling abc news cummings researched camping and suvs and watched a tv show about living off the grid. hours after that gas station surveillance footage from monday, elizabeth thomas is declared missing. last clue, a cell phone ping from decatur, alabama. days after the pair turn up on video at a walmart in oklahoma city. >> the problem with that video is law enforcement didn't even know about the video till maybe two weeks after it was captured. so two weeks cold on a camera shot like that -- really puts you behind. because then where do you go from there? you're in the middle

tad cummins and 15-year-old elizabeth thomas were found yesterday in a cabin near redding. s almost two- thousand miles away from elizabeth's house. elizabeth was reported missing over a month ago. the two stayed one night at a cabin in siskiyou county, but might have been in the area for a week. cummins told people the pair were newly-weds. the cabin's caretaker was the one who told authorities. (darya) cummins now faces a federal charge of taking a minor across state lines to have sex. he could spend at least ten years in prison. (james) happening today... the man suspected of going on a racially charged shooting rampage in fresno is expected to be formally charged for the murders. kori ali muhammad is accused of gunning down three men tuesday night and a motel security guard ju

today, elizabeth thomas is back in tennessee. family says she is comfortable and resting, but as suffered severe emotional trauma. >> she has to go back home and face the reality of school, family, friends, it's probably going be difficult for her. >> now tad cummins, again, remains in federal custody. he is set to be arraigned on monday. dara, that's when we expect to learn more about these particular charges he might be facing. >> mya rodriguez, thank you so much and it's such good news that she's back home safe. thank you, maya. >>> once again saying all options are on the table when it comes to north korea. what vice president mike pence said in australia this morning that is key to solving tensions on the korean peninsula. if you have moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis like me, and you're talking to your rheumatologist about a medication... ...this is humira. this is humira helping to relieve my pain... ...and protect my joints from further damage. humira has been clinically studied for over 18 years. humira works by ta

tactical teams arresting tad cummins as he walked outside. 15-year-old elizabeth thomas found safe. police recovering two loaded handguns and maps from a suspect on the run 39 days. >> that's the guy. >> reporter: the cabin caretaker griffin berry called in the tip to police. realizing the 50-year-old was a fugitive a few days into his stay. >> he talked for her a lot, and she was kind of shy, timid or something. >> reporter: with cummins facing several federal charges including kidnapping and taking a minor across state lines to have sex, thomas' parents are now grateful. >> i'm just so overjoyed to have her home. >> reporter: as investigators build their case, they say the teacher groomed and manipulated the student. new court documents reveal before the pair vanished cummins left his wife a note saying he left to clear his head. he filled a prescription for cialis and took out a loan for $4500. caught on surveillance tape at walmart two days after the alleged kidnapping, they stayed at cheap motels with one bed. elizabeth thomas is back in tennessee comfortable and resting but sh

elizabeth thomas on the way home today after a long ordeal. the 15-year-old 2500 miles away from where she disappeared in a remote area of see sillville northwest of redding. >> she's healthy and unharmed. >> reporter: authorities received a tip that the 50-year-old and thomas were on a cabin on his property. they said they lost everything in a fire in colorado. >> the girl was not looking at me or anything. >> reporter: they went by fake names, john an joanna. they spoke with "good morning america" the moment he realized who they were. >> they ended upcoming knocking on my door, and a photo of him, it was the amber alert, like, that's definitely the guy. >> reporter: the man hunt triggered 1500 leagues from all 50 states. r family was on "good morning america" this morning. >> we all love her, and we're really happy to see her back home and that she's safe. >> reporter: while the search is over, the family knows they have a tough road ahead. her father thinks his daughter was brainwashed. >> we're going to be patient with her. we got to be --

tad cummins and 15-year-old elizabeth thomas were found yesterday in a cabin near redding. thousand miles away from elizabeth's house. elizabeth was reported missing over a month ago. the two stayed one night at a cabin in siskiyou county, but might have been in the area for a week. cummins told people the pair were newly-weds. the cabin's caretaker was the one who told authorities. (darya) cummins now faces a federal charge of taking a minor across state lines to have sex. he could spend at least ten years in prison. ( james ) aaron hernandez's brain is being turned over to researchers now that his death in prison is ruled a suicide. a medical team will determine whether he has what is known as c-t-e. a disease found in people who have had repeated blows to the hea

authorities confirm 15-year-old elizabeth thomas has been found safe after a telephone tip. >> the caller indicated they had taken up residence in a cabin in a remote area in cecilville, california, within the last week and a half. >> reporter: thomas was a former student. the pair disappeared from columbia, tennessee, a month after cummins was reportedly suspended for having inappropriate contact with the teenaged girl triggering a nationwide amber alert. cummins was armed with two handguns, wanted for kidnapping and sexual misconduct with a minor. >> he stole my daughter from me. he didn't just steal from me. stole from the community. >> reporter: days after their disappearance, cummins' wife begged him to return. >> this is not who you are. we can help you get through this. >> reporter: the siskiyou county sheriff's office says they found the fugitive's nissan rogue thursday morning. chris martinez, cbs news. >> the teacher's wife filed for divorce earlier this month. they had been married for more than 30 years. >>> a haze over hippie hill today as thousands of marijuana enthusiasts g

they found him in a cabin with 15-year-old elizabeth thomas appeared healthy and unharmed. a tipster recognized the car and called 911. he is facing federal and state charges. a lawyer for thompson's family says the teen is set to fly home tomorrow. >> a new study linked dpiet soda to a higher risk of stroke and dim eng sha. it looked at 3,000 adults in two age groups those that drink diet soda were three times as likely to have a stroke and three times as likely to be diagnosed to dementia. it sheds light on association. researchers could not determine cause and effect relationship. >> there's a placeness burlington county that holds some of the best dough around. we're talking about pizza dough. >> how the owner of the vault cracked the code to style of pizza your taste buds won't forget. >> it's time for wood fired pizzas. >> let me get warmed up. >> pillared on a corpner bordentown there's a spot piping hot pizza are pulled out of the flames off a food truck and of course, inside the vault. john vilardo family has been in the pizza business his whole life and at 17 he w

this is a case of kidnapping. >> reporter: 50-year-old tad cummings is suspected of abducting elizabeth thomasshman. he's a former teacher. this and was not a romance. this was manipulation. solely to benefit tad cummings. >> reporter: thomas has been missing since march 15th. >> at this point we have had no credible sightings of either individual. >> reporter: under tennessee law children over 12 years old can decide whether to leave their families unless their removal or confinement is accomplished by force, threat or fraud. district attorney brent cooper is fighting to change that law. he hopes state lawmakers consider elizabeth's case when they hold their next meeting next year. >> this was without the consent of the parents or guardians. that should be a crime. >> reporter: tennessee bureau of investigation translated elizabeth's amber alert to spanish spreading the word so they can fine her faster. family and friends continue searching for elizabeth hoping she returns home soon. >> your dog misses you. it doesn't want anyone to play with it. >> attorneys are laying out the legal ground w

. >> melissa rainy spoke with elizabeth thomas' family they're overjoyed that she is safe. >> started getting the text messages, then the phonecalls, you know, 27 text messages. >> all with the news that his 15 year old daughter, elizabeth thomas, was found more than 2,000 miles from home. deep in the mountains, of northern california. >> i'm just so overjoyed to have her home. that she is safe. i cannot wait to see her. >> authority found tad cummings and elizabeth at this row mother cabin northwest every reading, pair spent one night here but may have been in the area for a week, former teacher telling people he was 44 years old, elizabeth was 22. cummings introduced her as his wife. saying they were newlyweds. the cabin's caretaker was the one who alerted law enforcement. >> someone kind of showed me a picture, i'm ya that's definitely the guy. then called 911 last night. >> fortunately, mr. cummings walked out of the cabin, and he was taken into custody without incident. he didn't resist. and also the 15 year old victim also walked out behind him about the same time and we were ab

tad cummins and student elizabeth thomas had been missing for a month. abc's kayna whitworth from california today. >> reporter: tonight, the ago agonyizing manhunt for that teacher and the student is over. acting on a tip from a man who spotted cummins' vehicle at a cabin in a remote part of northern california. more than 2,000 miles from where the two initially disappeared. police aprehending cummins after staking out the location for hours. saying 15-year-old elizabeth thomas soon will be reunited with her family. >> all we know that she's apparently healthy and unharmed. knowing that our main concern how is she motionally and mentally? >> reporter: the pair disappearing six months ago. he had recently suspended from his school after being investigating for an inappropriate relationship with a high school freshman. in an interview his wife told us 245 tad han been helping elizabeth. >> i think he was mentoring her and maybe just one bad decision started him off on a path that he didn't mean to go. >> reporter: spotted hundreds of mile from home in okl

. >> reporter: 50-year-old tad cummins and 15-year-old elizabeth thomas captured on this walmart surveillance camera in oklahoma city on march 15th, two days after they disappeared from columbia, tennessee, almost 700 miles away. the new pictures showing only small changes to their appearance. thomas' hair dark and red. cummins' gray facial hair now brown. >> she looks subservient to him, walking behind him, looking to him. it's a very scary image. >> reporter: the two disappeared after cummins was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with his teenage student. >> he was putting a lot of planning into disappearing. he searched "what size mattress will fit in the back of a nissan rogue?" >> reporter: authorities telling abc news, cummins packed warm weather clothes, shos and t-shirts, but now think he could be anywhere. >> for elizabeth thomas. >> reporter: today, in tennessee, green rib a festival in town, the search, and tonight, a symbol of hope. >> elizabeth, if you can hear me, please come back to us. >> reporter: and there is a $10,000 reward for information that leads authorit

elizabeth thomas' father, speaking out. new details of his daughter's ordeal. what she had to t to survive. >>> trapped in north korea. an american professor, detained at the airport. this, as north korea now threatens to sink a u.s. aircraft carrier. >>> and, little survivor. the back door of a church van swinging open. a 4-year-old hanging on, then falling to the road. the driver who jumped into action. and the big question tonight. how did this happen? >>> good evening. thanks for joining us on this sunday. i'm tom llamas. we begin with the new showdown over the wall with mexico. president trump demanding congress put up the money. but that could trigger a government shutdown on his 100th day in office. and our new abc news/"washington post" poll, giving president trump a 42% approving rating. the lowest of the last 13 presidents. but no buyers' remorse. 96% of the people who voted for him would do it again. president trump tweeting about the poll, even as he faces a friday night deadline to keep the government running. here's david wright. >> reporter: dona

him off on a path he didn't mean to go on. >> thomas' family now anxiously awaiting her return. >> our focus has been and will continue to be on elizabeth. >> reporter: thomas its expect to be reap united with her family on friday. as for cummins, rehe remains in jail awaiting arraignment and extradition to tennessee. erielle reshef, abc news, new york. >> newly video shows fatal shooting of of a florida woman by ape police officer during what was ate training course. mary nolton died taking part in a role playing exercise last year. officer leel coal played an armed suspect. firing his personal gun sever times at the 73-year-old woman. officials, officers rushed to help nolton after realizing she was not with real bullets. he is a peeling his termination. >> aaron hernandez's brain donate to sports concussion researchers for study. after the massachusetts medical examiner ruled hernandez's death a suicide. the cause was as fix yeah by hanging. investigators say they found three handwritten notes. next to a bible in hernandez's cell. there are still so many questions, swirling around the former nfl star, and convicted murderer's death.

they found him in a cabin with 15-year-old elizabeth thomas appeared healthy and unharmed. a tipster recognized the car and called 911. he is facing federal and state charges. a lawyer for thompson's family says the teen is set to fly home tomorrow. >> a new study linked dpiet soda to a higher risk of stroke and dim eng sha. it looked at 3,000 adults in two age groups those that drink diet soda were three times as likely to have a stroke and three times as likely to be diagnosed to dementia. it sheds light on association. researchers could not determine cause and effect relationship. >> there's a placeness burlington county that holds some of the best dough around. we're talking about pizza dough. >> how the owner of the vault cracked the code to style of pizza your taste buds won't forget. >> it's time for wood fired pizzas. >> let me get warmed up. >> pillared on a corpner bordentown there's a spot piping hot pizza are pulled out of the flames off a food truck and of course, inside the vault. john vilardo family has been in the pizza business his whole life and at 17 he w

thank you, eva joined by elizabeth thomas' family, anthony, anthony's lawyer and her siblings.joining us. anthony, i can only imagine how relieved you are this morning. >> yes, very relieved. we're very happy we're going to be able to see her again. >> have you had the chance yet to speak to elizabeth by phone? >> no, it involved a lot of debriefing by the fbi and it went on quite a while and so we didn't get opportunity to speak to her last night, but we're looking forward to that this morning when they fly her back. >> she hasn't spoken to her mom either? >> no, no. >> so you're expecting to see her this morning. we heard the police officers there describe her state of mind, kind of a roller coaster of ee some tears as well. what can you tell us and, kat, let me ask you this, what can you tell us about her state of mind before she went missing? >> before she went missing she was very extroverted, a bubbly social butterfly and loved everyone and was in love with life. really happy. >> no sense this was something that she was thinking of, something that she was planning? kat? >

. >> it has been over a month since tad cummins and 15-year-old elizabeth thomas went missing.xclusi exclusively to abc news with a message of forgiveness. abc's eva pilgrim is just back from speaking with them. good morning, eva. >> reporter: it's been a hard month for both families involved. investigators say they have no idea where they may be and this morning, tad cummins' family just wants to make sure he knows they forgive him and want him to come back. this morning, the family of the tennessee teacher accused of kidnapping his student is begging him to come home. >> it's been very strange to be suddenly thrown into the spotlight for something that you didn't want to never be known for. >> reporter: now jill cummins' husband for more than 30 years is on the run accused of having an inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old elizabeth thomas. last spotted by this walmart surveillance camera in oklahoma city on march 15th. two days after they disappeared from columbia, tennessee, almost 700 miles away. >> the hardest part i think is not understanding how he betrayed me so.

included a stop in the bay area. i was kind of a roller coaster emotion for herdeputies say elizabethe thomas was physically fine ... but obviously shaken.relatives got the news of her rescue early this morning.how long have you knownten minuteslooks like you were cryingyeah, really crying. tad cummins is suspected of abducting his former student on march 13th,the two were sighted in alabama the next day.and then two days later a surveillance camera revealed the two of them at a walmart in oklahoma city.both appeared to have changed their hair color.their final destination was a cabin deep in the mountains.he was obviously seeking a refuge ....siskyou sheriff's deputies say cummins had a connection to a commune in the area, and there is evidence the pair passed through berkeley on their way north.late last night, siskyou sheriff's deputioes responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in cecilville,it was new to the area, had no license plates and it matched the description of cummins' nissan rogue.as we have said from the start, it only takes one tip.deputies suspected cummins might be armed,

she's in the process of going homeism a statement cummins' family says they are thankful that elizabeth thomas will soon be returned to her family where she can begin the healing process. elizabeth's family says that process will take awhile. >> there's going to be some therapy involved. it's going to take some time imtime that the family attorney says they will be spending alone and together. >> they'll be secluded today probably for the next several days. she definitely will be secluded for a long time. >> reporter: tad cummins is now in sacramento where he is being held in federal custody facing charges that including a 58d kidnapping. he's expected to be seen in court on monday. maggie rhule, abc news, new york. >> delaware senator tom carper highlighted the impact of climate change on the first state today. this morning the senator toured the wilmington wetlands project an area along the christina river that's been suffering from increased flooding. according to the center that's because of the rising sea levels. carper called to an end to an end -- of funding cuts. >> firefighters in all

. >>> we move on to another major story, that rescued teenager elizabeth thomas who said to be resting after reuniting with her family six weeks after she was allegedly kidnapped by her former teacher and this morning we're getting an exclusive tour of the cabin where that nationwide manhunt came to an end and abc's eva pilgrim is in columbia, tennessee, with the latest on all of this. eva, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. dan, elizabeth thomas is back in tennessee but this morning we are learning more about those days before authorities were able to find her. this morning, a look inside the remote california cabin where a 15-year-old former student were finally found. 50-year-old tad cummins in fbi custody and facing federal charges after allegedly kidnapping elizabeth thomas and going on the run for over a month. abc news getting an exclusive tour of that. inside plywood wall, leftover food sitting on bare floors, toilet paper and very little else. >> search warrant papers. >> reporter: these documents left behind listing some of the items seized as evidence. bed rolls

what elizabeth thomas' brother says about her state of mind. >>> on a much lighter note. tinder says it's not just about hookups. they just put out a new survey. the company is releasing it. it's about people looking for love on tinder. and the tips they have if you're looking for a mate on tinder, too. we'll be right back. much more "gma" on this sunday morning. you totaled your brand new car. nobody's hurt, but there will still be pain. it comes when your insurance company says they'll only pay three-quarters of what it takes to replace it. what are you supposed to do? drive three-quarters of a car? now if you had liberty mutual new car replacement™, you'd get your whole car back. i guess they don't want you driving around on three wheels. smart. with liberty mutual new car replacement™, we'll replace the full value of your car. liberty stands with you™. liberty mutual insurance. ykeep you sidelined.ng that's why you drink ensure. with 9 grams of protein and 26 vitamins and minerals. for the strength and energy to get back to doing... ...what you love. ensure. always be

tad cummins and 15-year-old elizabeth thomas had been missing for a month. tonight, new reporting on the tip that allowed police to track them down in a remote part of california. abc's kayna whitworth from california today. >> reporter: tonight, the agonizing nationwide manhunt for that teacher and the student is finally over. they said they zeroed on tad coummins overnight. acting on a tip from a man who spotted cummins' vehicle at a cabin in a remote part of northern california. more than 2,000 miles from where the two initially disappeared. police apprehending cummins after staking out the location for hours. saying 15-year-old elizabeth thomas soon will be reunited with her family. >> all we know is that she's apparently healthy and unharmed. knowing that our main concern is how is she emotionally and mentally? >> reporter: the two disappearing nearly six weeks ago. cummins had recently suspended from his school after being investigated for an inappropriate relationship with a high school freshman. in an exclusive interview with abc, cummins' wife, who

this is a case of kidnapping."50 year old tad cummins is suspected of abducting elizabeth thomas. high school freshman, he's a former teacher. this is and was not a romance. this was manipulation solely to benefit tad cummins. thomas has been missing since march 13 weeks after a student reported the pair kissing.josh devine, tbi: ""at this point, we have had no credible sightings of either individual."under tennessee law, children over 12 years old can decide whether to leave their families unless their removal or confinement "is accomplished by force, threat or fraud." district attorney brent cooper is fighting to change the law. he hopes state lawmakers consider elizabeth's case when they hold a meeting next year. brent cooper, da: "the statute should say if it's without the consent of the parents, or guardians, that should be a crime."the t-b-i even translated elizabeth's amber alert to spanish spreading the word, so they can find her faster.(nats)family and friends continue to search for elizabeth and hoping she returns home soon.sarah thomas, sister: "we are all wanting you ba

elizabeth thomas was rescued.de search that started in tennessee, five weeks ago. cummins faces federal and state felony charges of kidnapping and sexual contact and ten years in prison. >> former fox news host, bill o'reilly returns to the airwaves, expected to resume pod no spin news pod cast later today. that's his subscription based website. the popular anchor fired from fox last week amid a growing sexual harassment scandal. it is the first time he is speaking publicly since parting with fox. >> concerns over a popular fitness device. milwaukee woman says her fitbit flex 2 bracelet exploded, the device melted on her arm. she had to be treated in the emergency room for second degree burns. the company is investigating but says the first fitbit safety complaint they're aware of. >> my goodness. last half-hour showed you the royals, handing out water at the london marathon. here in the states. different competition. with spectators handing something else out. snow balls. look at t-rex going down the hill. >> ha-

. >>> elizabeth thomas a teen and tad comings were discovered in northern california. thomas' story is glad the nightmare is over. >> i'm overjoyed to have her home that she is safe. >> police suspect cummings had an inappropriate relationship with the girl. else suspected to be arraigned today. >>> the flames from this rv fire sent firefighters running because it was burning next to a propane tak -- tank. the cause of the fire is under investigation. >> 6:47 a.m., up next you'll see a very close call. >> a car narrowly missing several people just walking down the sidewalk. (vo) love. i got it. i gotcha baby. (vo) it's being there when you're needed most. love is knowing... he's the one. (vo)...it was meant to be. and love always keeps you safe. we're fine. (vo) love is why we built a car you can trust. now and for a long time to come. the all-new subaru impreza sedan and five-door. a car you can love no matter what road you're on. the subaru impreza. more than a car, it's a subaru. >> time to see what's next on "g.m.a.". >> let's turn to amy robach live at the "g.m.a.

the girl elizabeth thomas is safe and 50-year-old tad cummings is under arrest.thorities are piecing together how the two got from tennessee to the west coast. now live in new york -- >> reporter: good evening monica. the teen and her teachers with discovered in northern california in a cabin there and authorities are trying to piece together their several weeks on the run. an agonizing ordeal coming to a close. >> it's a good day. >> 15-year-old elizabeth thomas found alive and safe in california. >> authorities followedp on a tip called in to tb i'm headquarters found elizabeth and arrested tad cummings, she will soon be on her way back home. >> the county sheriff's office rescued the team and arrested cummings. she was the subject of a nationwide amber alert since february 13th. her teacher having an inappropriate relationship and cummings family spoke with abc news pleading with him to return. >> i hope that he realizes we are still here and makes him realize if he comes home that he is not coming home to nothing. >> authorities locating the nissan rogue that

after five weeks, elizabeth thomas is now on her way home.nancy: they found in a remote california cabin with the former teacher accused of kidnapping her. we have your homecoming and the man that helped the police find the two. reporter: the nationwide manhunt is over. tad cummins is in federal custody. >> the federal officials came in and arrested him on a federal warrant and took custody of him. >> the 50-year-old teacher found with his student, 15-year-old elizabeth thomas. deep in the woods of upstate california. 2,500 miles from the tennessee home. >> they received a tip that they were hiding out in the isolated cabin in california. they went by fake names. he told him that she was 24. she remained >> he was standoffish. >> once he realized who they were, he called 911. after more than five weeks with 1,500 leads from all 50 states, with the sightings of the pair from tennessee to organize to oklahoma. all the way to their find destination in california. they are finally bringing her home. >> we have to be patient and get her the help s

elizabeth thomas is finally bk home. the man accused of kidnapping her is in sacramentsacramento. here's reporter brian clark. >> tonight tad cummins accused of crossing state lines swept up by the fbi facing federal and state charges. the former teacher from tennessee accused of having an inappropriate relationship with elizabeth thomas. >> we love you and can't wait to see you. >> the 15-year-old teen in a safe location with family and friends. her first words when authorities found her, she asked to see her father. thomas and cummins disappeared last month. authorities combing nearly 1500 leads from all r50 states. the two found early thursday nearly 2500 miles away in a remote area of northern california in this isolated cabin. a local man tipping off police. >> abc's kayna whitworth on the scene. >> the girl look me in the eyes. >> the pair was inside that cabin for two nights. no cell phone service. no running water or electricity. but police did find two hand guns. >> cummins' wife thanking law enforcement. happy the two were found safe. her attorney says she plans to file

an agonizing or deal coming to a close. 15-year-old elizabeth thomas found alive and safe in a communen a remote area of the northern most county of california. the alleged captor in custody. they rescued the teen, acting on a typicalled in the night before. she has been the subject of nationwide amber alert. her teacher tad cummins accused of having inappropriate relationship with her, kidnapping her and leading law enforcement on cross-country manhunt. the two were spotted a day later in a wal-mart in oklahoma. a month after the disappearance, cummins family spoke with abc news pleading for him to >> i hope he realizes we are here and if he comes home, he is not coming home to nothing. >> this morning authorities locating the car that they had been traveling. later leading them to the pair. as for thomas, authorities are trying to arrange a speedy reunion with her family. abc news, new york. jonathan: a big break took place in college park in a murder mystery there. police made an arrest. now they are hoping the newly released surveillance video leads them to two others they are beli

how is elizabeth thomas doing? >> as you heard in the piece from joe fryer, every indication is that elizabeth thomas is doing just fine physically. however, there are still a lot of questions that we have, obviously. we want to make sure she's getting the best care and make sure across the board, she's in the best state possible before she gets home to tennessee. >> you talk about questions. a lot of people may have the question, what was her reaction when law enforcement closed in on them? her reaction is, matt. since the start of this, we've had questions as to whether she knew she was a victim in this case. and so, we're going to be talking with her. we want to know exactly what the set of events look like before they left the state of tennessee. what happened over the past weeks? and most importantly, what she needs right now to move forward. >> as we understand it, when mr. cummins was approached, he surrendered peacefully and made a statement to the officer, i'm glad this is over. is he talking to investigat

after spending more than a month on the run, tad cummins and elizabeth thomas were found in a cabin nearlifornia- oregon border yesterday. they disappeared from tennessee march 13. reporter arianna >> reporter: griffin berry is a care taker in cecilville so when a couple came up to him asking for help, it was only in his nature to do so. >> a house fire in colorado. they are from colorado. he lost his job. >> reporter: griffin says the couple said they were on the last $10. >> it's like oh, man so now i put some gas in his car and gave him 40 bucks. >> reporter: they left for a come nine and came back. he said he gave the man a job and noticed red flags between the alleged couple. >> he is always keeping her -- she is always like looking way over there, but i figured, you know, they had a house fire and lost everything so just really hard times for them or something so i was trying to help them out. >> reporter: ultimately he helped police. others in the community recognized the couple. he called 911 and then ended up helping law enforcement by getting tad cummins outside of the cabin. t

. >> the nationwide manhunt for elizabeth thomas is finally over .er the 15-year-old tennessee teenager was found deep in the woods of california. nearly 2500 miles away from her tennessee home. >> we could not be happier to tell you she will soon be on her way back home to tenne >> safe but having lived through a harrowing journey, her teacher, 50-year-old tad cummins is accused of kidnapping her. authorities received a text that the two were hiding out in upstate california, in an isolated cabin. >> as daylight broke, they took tad cummins and recovered -- into custody and recovered elizabeth. >> they went by fake names. tad cummins told him the team was 24 and the girl remained silent. >> she was standoffish. he was talking for her and keeping her away. >> once he realized who they were, he called 911. after five weeks and 1500 leads from all 50 states, with sightings of them from tennessee to georgia to oklahoma, all the way to their final dti police finally are bringing elizabeth home. >> we will be patient with her. we have to get her the help