Mother missing 3 weeks after disappearing with daughter during church service is safe, family says

A Missouri mother who disappeared for three weeks after leaving in the middle of a Sunday church service with her daughter is safe, police said.

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Kansas City police received a correspondence from who they believe to be Melanie Goodman, investigators said Thursday.

Still, police would like her to hear from her in person.

"We need Melanie to contact the law enforcement agency where she is to confirm she and the baby are safe," Kansas City police said in a statement. "Her location can remain confidential."

Goodman, who is known as Anna, left with her 4-month-old daughter, Charlotte, during Mass at Old St. Patrick's Oratory Jan. 20 and never returned, WDAF reported. Her husband, who has not been identified, and five sons were also at church that day.

"(Kansas City police) confirmed to me that they have received communication from Anna indicating that she and Lottie are safe and are where they want to be," her husband wrote Wednesday in a post on the Help Find Anna and Charlotte Facebook page.