Dad gains custody of boy left at St. Louis-area mall

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) -- A 3-year-old boy left alone by his mother at a St. Louis-area mall will now live with his father.

The father was granted custody at a family court hearing today. His attorney did not release the man's name but describes him as stable and capable of caring for the boy.

Workers at St. Louis Mills mall in Hazelwood found Cortez Bass alone just before closing Saturday night. Shameka Taylor called a day later to say the boy was hers, but she didn't show up to police headquarters until Tuesday. Taylor was then arrested on outstanding charges for a probation violation and stealing.

Taylor told authorities the boy was left behind because of a misunderstanding. Police have said she declined to come in to get him for fear of being arrested.