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FBI: Missing baby found; mother and boyfriend arrested

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(CNN) -- A Kentucky couple suspected of abducting a 9-month-old boy after beating to death the child's social worker were apprehended Thursday near Godfrey, Illinois, according to police and FBI officials.

"We're very relieved," said Detective John Nevels of the Henderson, Kentucky, Police Department. The abduction and slaying occurred in Henderson.

The couple were found hiding in a trailer near Godfrey, about 25 miles north of St. Louis and 200 miles west-northwest of Henderson. No weapons were found at the scene and the couple offered no resistance.

Police said social worker Boni Frederick's broken-down car was found nearby. Her cell phone was also recovered.

Saige Terrell "has been examined by a physician," said FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Stafford, "and is in good health."

Authorities had been searching for the infant's mother, Renee Terrell, 33, of Henderson, and her boyfriend, Christopher Luttrell, 23, since Monday after Frederick's body was found in the home where she had brought the baby for a visit with his mother.

Officials said the boy was taken from Terrell soon after birth because of neglect.

An autopsy showed Frederick, 67, had been beaten to death.

"Both subjects are suspects in this homicide," said Nevels. "We expect probably sometime tomorrow ... that we'll be filing murder warrants on both these subjects."

An Amber Alert was issued for the child on Monday, shortly after Frederick's body was found.

Frederick had worked with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) for 15 years. As a social service aide, she transported children to and from family visits and doctor's appointments.

CHFS spokeswoman Vikki Franklin acknowledged that it is common practice for social aides to travel alone. "But if a worker should be concerned about safety, he or she can request an escort by a police officer or another social worker."

But another social worker said such escorts are rarely requested because workers are typically so pressed that they don't have the time to arrange for an escort. (Are social workers at risk?)

Frederick's co-workers reported her missing.

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher ordered flags at all state office buildings to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Frederick.

"The first lady and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Boni Frederick, a social service worker who died tragically Monday in the line of duty," Fletcher said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been touched by this tragedy."

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