Supposedly Lori and Charles had been fighting in a custody dispute for years with JR, even to the extent of Lori making up lies that JR sexually abused Tylee in order to get him to back off wanting visitation.
JR did get visitation, and Tylee was able to re-establish a relationship with him in more recent years.
I’m actually amazed that the Woodcocks (or other of JJ’s biological family in Lake Charles) didn’t try to get custody of JJ after CV was shot. I think they should file immediately for an emergency order of temporary guardianship, which would allow an amber alert etc. to go out and maybe kidnapping charges?
it also seems like Lori (and niece Melani) really didn’t want to parent anymore - both women disappeared and others were caring for their children - so it doesn’t seem like Lori would even care about a custody battle - she didn’t want the kids. Melani didn’t even show up to contest her custody issues. But was prowling around BB’s parents house a week later?