Father, 9-year-old son arrive in Florida from Brazil after 5-year custody battle ends

more images

more images

Boy, American dad arrive in US from Brazil

ORLANDO, Fla. — The father of a 9-year-old boy at the center of a five-year custody battle across two continents looked at his son sleeping peacefully on a flight to the U.S. and said he loves him.

Sean Goldman and his dad, David Goldman of Tinton Falls, N.J., landed in Orlando Thursday evening on a jet chartered by NBC.

In an interview with NBC, Goldman said, “My little boy is 5 feet away, sound asleep, peaceful. We’re on our way. My heart is just melting. I love him.”

The scene earlier was much different, when the two were reunited in Rio de Janeiro. The youngster was forced to squeeze though a jostling crowd of reporters and photographers.

The arrival ends a battle that pitted Sean’s father against the boy’s Brazilian stepfather, who had cared for Sean since his mother died last year.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The father of a 9-year-old boy at the center of a five-year custody battle across two continents looked at his son sleeping on a flight to the U.S. and was relieved it was peaceful.

Sean Goldman and his dad, David Goldman of Tinton Falls, N.J., landed in Orlando Thursday evening on a jet chartered by NBC.

In an interview with NBC, Goldman said, “My little boy is 5 feet away, sound asleep, peaceful. We’re on our way. My heart is just melting. I love him.”

The scene earlier was much different, when the two were reunited in Rio de Janeiro. The youngster was forced to squeeze though a jostling crowd of reporters and photographers.

The arrival ends a battle that pitted Sean’s father against the boy’s Brazilian stepfather, who had cared for Sean since his mother died last year.