This article was originally published on Kueez
College applications are a rollercoaster of emotions, and for one teen, it revealed an unexpected family secret. J.J. discovered that his applications were rejected due to a mismatch in his social security number and name. He set out to fix the issue, but little did he know that this would lead him to uncover startling truths about his past, intentionally hidden from him. Get ready as we reveal the dark truth about J.J.'s childhood, a revelation that would forever alter the course of his life.
They Were Supposed to Be Just a Regular Normal Family
Amidst the facade of regular life in Cleveland, J.J. Mangina's world hid a mysterious secret waiting to be unraveled. Living with his father, Bobby, they appeared like any other family, but deception would soon shatter their reality. Little did J.J. know that the truth of his childhood lay hidden, a puzzle yearning to be solved. As the pieces fell into place, the intricate web of his past began to surface, revealing a startling revelation about the family he thought he knew.
So what could have been so bad to completely change J.J.'s life? It's something no teenager, let alone an adult, could ever imagine.
Bobby Was a Single Dad and Proud
Amidst the bustle of everyday life, Bobby stood as a resilient single father. His dedication to raising J.J. alone from the young age of five was admirable by his neighbors. He gave all he could to his son and dreamt of him getting a higher education. In their neighborhood, they were well-liked, and everyone could attest to the fact that Bobby truly loved his son more than anything in the world.
As J.J. grew up, he wondered where his mom was, and Bobby seemed sad that she couldn't be around with them.
J. J. Was Close With His Father Growing up
J.J. knew his mom left the picture when he was young; he couldn't even remember her. And ever since, Bobby had taken on the parenting role solo. Leaving their roots in Alabama, they ventured to Cleveland in pursuit of a fresh beginning. A new chapter awaited them, and Bobby was determined to be successful and give them everything they could dream of. It was the start of a beautiful journey for the single father and his young son.
Or so it was supposed to be until J.J. would grow up and discover the truth about his family for himself.
He Had a Happy and Normal Childhood
Growing up without his mother, J.J. cherished moments of joy in his childhood but always wondered about her. His questions about her were met with brief responses from his father, Bobby, who described her as a selfish woman who passed away a few years ago. This left J.J. with a gnawing curiosity, sensing that there was more to the story than he was being told. Behind closed doors, he struggled with the absence of his mother.
Though he always felt he had a good childhood and was a happy child, so learned not to dwell on it too much.
He Had Always Been a Great Student in School
J.J. blossomed into an exceptional student as he grew up. He even garnered praise as a senior in high school with his honors achievements. It seemed that his father's cherished dream of seeing J.J. attend college would soon be fulfilled. As J.J. finished high school, he knew he wanted to pursue a degree and that he would have to start preparing. He was excited about all the possibilities for his future.
Truthfully, he didn't love his time in high school, and that's why he was so eager and excited for the next step in his life.
J. J. Couldn't Wait to Finish High School
High school wasn't exactly easy for J.J., but he shared his father's aspirations of going to college. He worked hard to get good grades, especially during his final semesters. As the graduation date neared, thoughts of the future swirled in his mind – which college to attend and what to major in. Reflecting on his journey, J.J. knew that getting through high school was a stroke of luck, and the path ahead held both excitement and uncertainty.
He hoped that he would get into a great college, make new friends, and, more importantly, make his father proud of him.
He Had Different Ambitions Than Most of His Peers
Amidst the crowd of kids, J.J. felt like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. Their pursuits of popularity and mischief seemed alien to him. Instead, he held a secret dream close to his heart – to shine in academics and make his father beam with pride. As his peers partied and were reckless, J.J. embarked on his own distinct path. He was fueled by his determination to achieve greatness and stuck to studying only.
He was ahead of his time and ready for so much more than high school could give him. He was ready to tackle new adventures.
His Priorities Were Completely Different Than Kids His Age
J.J. felt like an outsider among his classmates, as the struggles of being the only child raised by a single father set him apart. Growing up, his father was his rock, the one he turned to when feeling down. In his heart, the thought of going far away to college tugged at him, for he loved the idea of staying close to his father, and he didn't know any other classmates who were having the same internal struggle.
While most kids were thinking about where they should go on the weekend with their friends, J.J. was wondering if he was ready to leave his father alone to pursue a college education.
He Researched Colleges Extensively
While his classmates indulged in typical teenage pursuits, J.J. took a different route. He focused all his energy on researching colleges, studying hard, and excelling in school. While others made plans for fun weekends, he was immersed in finding the best path to achieve his dreams. Late-night parties didn't interest him; his mind was set on higher education. J.J.'s unwavering commitment to academics made him stand out among his peers.
Little did he know that his dedication would lead to a surprising twist in his college journey, an unexpected turn that would shape the next chapter of his life.
It Was Finally Time to Send in College Applications
After a long wait, the moment J.J. had been looking forward to finally came. He filled out college applications with care and sent them off, hopeful for a chance to attend school in the fall. This was a big step toward his dreams of higher education. However, after sending his last application, he discovered something surprising. His father had different thoughts about his college plans, and this revelation caught J.J. off guard.
It was unexpected and left him wondering how this would impact his future. Now he wondered if he could get into college and what his father thought about it.
His Eyes Were Set on Ohio State University
When J.J. and his father spoke about college before, they had always agreed on one dream school. Ohio State University was at the top of their list! With promising ACT scores, he seemed like an ideal candidate. However, when he sought to apply, an unexpected obstacle emerged, leaving his school's counselors baffled by this unique challenge they had never encountered before. They needed some time to figure out how to handle this bump in the road.
As J.J. grappled with the mysterious twist in his college plans, he embarked on a quest to unravel the strange roadblocks that stood in the way of his dream to attend Ohio State.
His Dad Was Mad and Not Interested in Talking About College at All
As J.J. eagerly prepared his college applications, he turned to his father for support, expecting guidance and tales of their family history. However, an eerie silence fell over his father, and he suddenly refused to discuss the past. J.J. witnessed a side of his father that he had never seen before. He had no idea what suddenly changed and why his father was so uninterested in talking about college now.
His dad was always his number one supporter, and now he seemed upset with J.J. about college. Could it be he didn't want J.J. to leave him, or was there something darker going on behind the scenes?
Bobby Suddenly Refused to Talk About J. J. 's Childhood
With each question J.J. posed, he sensed an underlying frustration in his father's response, but the reasons remained elusive. Innocent curiosities about medical history and personal information struck a sour note with Bobby, and it puzzled J.J. immensely. Little did he know that these small pieces were part of a larger mystery and that a secret that had been under wraps for so long was moments away from being unearthed.
As the plot thickened, J.J. found himself drawn to unlock the truth his father was desperate to keep hidden. He was more determined than ever to figure out what was so wrong.
He Was About to Embark on His College Application Journey Alone
As unanswered questions swirled in J.J.'s mind, a bitter truth settled in, he felt he could no longer seek his father's guidance. With the school year drawing to a close, the weight of completing college applications alone felt overwhelming. Despite the uncertainty, he mustered the courage to send them out, holding onto hope that his father would stand by his promise and eventually come around to talking about his childhood.
The future was mysterious, but J.J. remained determined to face whatever came his way. He figured he would continue figuring out the application problem and try talking to his dad again at different times.
J. J. 's Quest to Unravel the Mystery of His College Applications
Amidst the whirlwind of senior year, J.J. found himself grappling with stress and countless responsibilities. Finals, extracurriculars, and future plans jostled for his attention. But amidst this chaos, a new challenge emerged – college acceptance. It soon became the sole focus on J.J.'s mind. With time ticking away, he braced himself to tackle this daunting task alone. The pressure mounted, uncertainty lingered, and J.J.'s journey of self-reliance and determination took center stage.
Now he knew he had to talk to his school counselors one more time, despite doing it alone, and figure out what was going on with his college applications.
All His College Applications Were Being Rejected for the Same Problem
J.J. was ready to tackle this issue with his college applications. It wasn't about rejection letters; there was something else going wrong. His personal information, name, and social security number apparently didn't match up correctly. Perplexed, he couldn't figure out what caused the discrepancy and never encountered this problem before. His high school counselors were trying their best to help him figure out what was happening. But they needed to work quickly as deadlines were approaching.
J.J. couldn't handle all the rejected applications and was becoming increasingly worried. He needed to figure out the problem and fast.
J. J. 's Social Security Number Wasn't Linked to His Name
Amidst the college application chaos, J.J. confronted an unexpected hurdle – his social security number didn't match his name. Schools kept raising red flags due to this puzzling mismatch. For J.J., the college application process became an uphill battle as he grappled with this peculiar issue. Determined to resolve the mystery, he delved deeper into the problem, aware that the real key to unlocking his college dreams was understanding the social security number dilemma.
But if his current social security number didn't match his name, then what name was it linked to? He had no idea what this meant and what was next.
The School Counselor to the Rescue
J.J. turned to his school counselor, seeking answers and hoping someone would be able to help him, especially since his dad was suddenly so uninterested. The school counselor was genuinely devoted to helping J.J., leaving no avenue unexplored. Together, they delved into the issue to understand why his applications had been flagged. The counselor's dedication and resourcefulness proved vital, and they felt they were closer than ever to uncovering what was so wrong.
J.J. was ready more than ever to move forward with his college plans and had this one hurdle to get over.
Overcoming the College Application Obstacle
J.J. was called to the school counselor's office, where they officially confirmed his fears. His college applications were all being flagged due to the problem with his social security number. It seemed like a serious issue to resolve, and J.J. couldn't understand why this information would cause trouble, as he had never faced such problems before. But now, his father's strange reaction and worries about his future made more sense.
There was something he didn't know, and it was time for him to get to the bottom of it. He wasn't letting anything stop him from his college dream.
Every Single Application Was Getting Denied and J. J. Was Hopeless
A cloud of disappointment enveloped J.J. as he faced the crushing reality – all his college applications were denied. The magnitude of this setback hit him hard, for college held the key to his most cherished dream. Uncertain about his future, he turned to his father, hoping to find the answers he sought. Their conversation would prove pivotal, and J.J. held onto the hope that his father could offer some resolution to the mishap that had turned his world upside down.
Little did he know that this heartfelt discussion would set the stage for a life-altering revelation.
His Father Was Hiding Something Major
J.J. felt uneasy as he sensed his father was hiding something important. When he questioned Bobby at home, his dad avoided answering, leaving J.J. with no choice but to seek help from his school counselors. Now that they figured out all the applications were officially denied due to his social security number discrepancy, he needed answers from his dad. Why was this happening to him, and what did it all mean?
His father still refused to talk about it, and J.J. knew something was seriously wrong. His dad was hiding something, and he was about to find out what.
The School Counselors Discovered the Dark Truth
Determined to unravel the mystery, J.J. returned to school the next day, ready to confront the counselor. Why had his social security number caused his applications to be denied? The truth he uncovered was startling, leaving him in disbelief and pondering its implications on his life. Grateful for the counselor's support, J.J. felt comforted as they brainstormed a path forward together. The counselors were just happy to be there for him.
With newfound clarity, J.J. ventured forth, eager to shape his future in a way he never thought possible. And he also thought about how he would approach his dad with this information.
J. J. Discovered He Had the Same Social Security Number as a Missing Boy
In a moment of revelation, the counselor disclosed a startling truth - the social security number J.J. used actually belonged to a boy who had been missing since the age of five. The missing child's details uncannily matched J.J.'s description, appearance, and whereabouts. The counselor and J.J. looked at each other in disbelief. Could this mean what they think? Who was this boy, and what did this mean for him?
He thought maybe there had been an innocent mistake when he was issued his social security number. But the details of this boy matched him to a tea, and he wasn't ready to face it. Could he be the missing boy?
They Had to Find Out Who This Missing Boy Was
The school counselor and J.J. realized the unthinkable was true. After more research, they found a picture of the boy listed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and it was undoubtedly him. The revelation left him stunned, wondering how such a significant part of his life had remained concealed for so long. One would assume a missing child would know about their own kidnapping, but for J.J., it was a life-altering discovery.
Did he disappear? Was he really a missing child? Was his father really his father? His entire world was collapsing in front of him, and he was scared to confront the newfound truth.
Who Was the Real J. J.
J.J.'s past was a puzzle, with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children holding a childhood photo of him, along with an age-progressed image. For years, they tirelessly distributed these images in hopes of locating him. Missing since the age of five, J.J. had grown into an 18-year-old young man with no idea of his past. This made absolutely no sense to him, and he tried to wrap his head around what this meant.
If he had disappeared, he wondered if anyone recognized him, where his true family was, and what this meant about his dad's identity.
J. J. Was About to Uncover the Truth About His Identity
A cascade of revelations was about to unfold. J.J. came to realize that his childhood wasn't what he thought it was, and he wasn't who he thought he was. His name wasn't J.J., but Julian, and his last name wasn't Mangina but Hernandez. Yet, this astonishing discovery was only the beginning of a much deeper tale. The truth about his father still shrouded in mystery, awaited J.J. as he braced himself for the conversation he was about to have.
J.J. thought this was just a journey of getting into college, but it quickly turned dark and scary. He was confused and didn't know who he really was.
His Parent's Separation Ended in a Messy Custody Battle
Julian's journey of discovery unveiled a heartbreaking truth - his parents' messy separation had shaped his life from the very beginning. The courtroom battles over custody had torn them apart, leaving scars that ran deep. In a bold move, his father Bobby took Julian away, vanishing from his ex-wife and the legal battles, never to be seen again. His dad fully disappeared and changed Julian's name, hoping no one would ever find out.
This dramatic turn of events left Julian pondering the choices his parents had made and the impact it had on his own life.
His Dad Was to Blame for It All
The revelations continued to unravel as Julian discovered that his father was not the person he believed him to be. With a name change and a hidden past, his father had kept secrets that added further complexity to Julian's life. They had lived under the name Mangina, concealing their true identity as Hernandez. Curiosity fueled Julian's determination to unveil the truth about his life, even if his father remained reluctant to assist in the process.
He had to rewrite his narrative and discover the truth about his childhood and what this meant for him moving forward.
All of the Lies Were Exposed
The tangled web of lies began to unravel, and Julian's mother's true whereabouts emerged from the shadows. She had not left or even passed away; instead, she still resided in Alabama, where Julian was born. It was a startling revelation that turned the tables on the narrative. Contrary to what Julian had been led to believe, it was his father who had taken off with him to Cleveland at the age of five.
The truth exposed a heartbreaking reality - his father had kidnapped him after losing a custody battle.
He Disappeared at 5 Years Old and Was Never Found Until Now
A pivotal moment arrived in Julian's life when he was merely five years old when he would officially become known as J.J. What seemed like any other typical day turned out to be the biggest deception. His father, Bobby, agreed to take him to preschool but had ulterior motives that would alter Julian's fate forever. Unbeknownst to young Julian, his dad packed up his baby belongings and cleared his bank accounts before disappearing with him.
The innocence of a child shielded Julian from comprehending the true intent of their departure. But the truth of his abduction emerged, and now he had to grapple with the reality of his life and family history.
Julian's Nice Childhood Turned Into a Disturbing Kidnapping
Julian fell victim to a heartbreaking kidnapping orchestrated by his own father. Amidst a custody dispute with Julian's mother, Bobby devised a sinister plan to evade the courts and make his escape with his son. Snatching Julian away, he vanished into the unknown, leaving Julian completely unaware of the truth. The innocent child remained oblivious to the turmoil surrounding his abduction, while Bobby's desperate act plunged both their lives into a web of deception and mystery.
He may have grown up thinking he had such a lovely childhood and was so close to his father, but now all his memories were tainted by this frightening realization.
His Mom Searched for Him Endlessly for Years
After Julian's sudden disappearance, his distraught mother launched a relentless search to find her beloved son. In Birmingham, she plastered countless flyers, her heartache evident in every corner of the city. Devastated by the loss, she kept his room untouched, yearning for his safe return with every passing day. "I was desperately trying to find my baby," she shared. She never gave up hope and longed for a reunion with her baby boy.
After his disappearance, the flyers were relentless, and posts flooded the internet, asking if anyone knew where Julian was, but it seemed no one could trace his location.
His Mom Left His Room Untouched for Years in Hopes He Would Return Home
Julian's mother was deeply affected by the kidnapping. She couldn't stop thinking about him, and his bedroom remained untouched for years. "I didn't know if he had a home or if he was taken care of," she wrote, expressing her worries. Bobby's actions caused immense hurt, and her pain endured for years, leaving her with unanswered questions about Julian's well-being and whereabouts. It was truly an experience no parent ever wants to go through.
But now that Julian knew the truth, he had to find his mother and was determined to set things straight.
Seeking Reunion, Julian's Journey to Find His Mother
Now aware of his father's deception and true identity, Julian embarked on a mission to reunite with his long-lost mother. She remained in Alabama, prompting him to undertake the journey to meet her in person for the first time since he was five. Filled with hope and uncertainty, Julian set forth on this momentous quest, eager to hear her side of the story and to bridge the gap created by years of separation.
His story started off with a quest to get into college but became something so much more than he ever anticipated.
A Heartfelt Reunion Soured by the Truth
Julian's mother couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her son again; she thought she'd never have this chance. Many nights were spent worrying about him, unaware that Julian had considered she had passed away. Their meeting was a long time coming, and both mother and son were filled with joy to see each other, but they knew they had to discuss their situation together. And once this story was unpacked, it got even darker.
It was a deeply emotional moment, bridging the gap that had separated them for so long. But they didn't know how to react or move forward, given this was a serious kidnapping case.
Unraveling a Complex Past
With the truth about his mother's existence and his father's dark secrets exposed, Julian found himself standing at the crossroads of his life. School was still on his mind, but now he had a labyrinth of questions to navigate. Confronting his father about the past became a daunting task, and he couldn't escape the weight of the unknown that lay ahead. As he delved deeper into the family's history, the road to the future seemed uncertain.
Julian was determined to find the answers he sought, no matter how challenging the journey might be, and was happy to have a mother in his life.
His Mom's Life Was Forever Altered by Fear
Julian's mother's world changed dramatically after his abduction. She lived in constant fear with another son to protect, ensuring he never played outside alone. Locking doors became her habit, even during daylight hours, as she desperately shielded her family from potential threats. The trauma of Julian's kidnapping forever changed her behavior and demeanor, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their lives. She also was terrified of Julian's father, the one he was once so close to.
The safety of her children was paramount, and she couldn't help but remain cautious and vigilant, haunted by the past and fearful of what it might bring in the future.
The Father Was Put Behind Bars
Bobby Hernandez's world came crashing down as the truth came to light. Arrested and facing a series of charges, including kidnapping, forgery, tampering with evidence, and interference with custody, his deceptive web unraveled. The authorities wasted no time bringing him to justice for the crimes he committed, casting a spotlight on his dark past. The once elusive figure was now behind bars, where he would have to confront the consequences of his actions.
For the mother, the arrest was just one step towards healing the wounds caused by Bobby's deceitful actions. But for Julian, things were more complicated.
Julian Pleaded for His Dad Not to Be Arrested
In the courtroom, Julian bravely spoke up, expressing his deep love for his father amidst the troubling situation. He shared how his father had been there for him, protecting and caring for him throughout his life. Julian pleaded with the court not to send his father to jail, as he forgave him for his actions and wanted him to remain a part of his life. Julian was more confused than ever about how he felt.
His heartfelt words touched everyone present, showcasing the powerful bond between a son and his father, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Despite the Circumstances, Julian Loved His Father and Wanted Him Free
Julian's profound love for his father was on full display as he spoke passionately in the courtroom. He credited his dad for shaping the person he had become, emphasizing how he had encouraged him to excel academically, leading to his pursuit of higher education. With genuine emotion, Julian begged the judge not to send his father to prison, as it would only intensify their pain. He only had good memories with his dad and was convicted he was misunderstood.
It was a complicated day in that courtroom as people were torn between love and a family bond and breaking the law.
A Mother's Pain and a Father's Remorse
During the court proceedings, Julian's mother expressed her immense sorrow through emotional words shared by her attorney. She recounted the devastating day when Julian went missing, revealing the intense agony she endured, even considering suicide during her darkest moments. In contrast, Julian's father, Bobby, tearfully attempted to explain his actions, taking full responsibility for his decisions and acknowledging their profound impact on both Julian and his mother. It was a heartbreaking day to witness.
He admitted that Julian held the most significant place in his heart, and he just wanted him in his life. It was a clash of emotions as sorrow and regret intertwined in this intricate and deeply personal family situation.
Bobby Hernandez Was Sentenced and Is Seeking Freedom
After being found guilty, Bobby Hernandez received a four-year prison sentence. Julian's emotional plea seemed to impact the judge's decision significantly. Bobby attempted to secure an early release with court supervision. However, the prosecutor's office was entirely for opposing an early release. The case continues to unfold, leaving Bobby's fate hanging in the air as he seeks clemency, wishing to be completely pardoned from the crime. However, he already took full responsibility and admitted guilt.
As Julian, formerly known as J.J., set out to pursue his college dreams, little did he know that his journey would lead him to unearth an unimaginable and insane family history. What started as a simple quest to fix a college application problem transformed into a compelling tale of revelations, secrets, and emotional discoveries that forever changed his life.