Keoni and his brothers Lance and Mason were abducted by their mother, Francina Dacanay Fernandez. They were last seen in San Diego, California on November 8, 2004. A photograph and vital statistics for Francina are posted below this case summary. On December 9, 2004, a state warrant was issued for her for kidnapping. On February 4, 2005, a federal warrant was issued for her for international parental kidnapping.

Francina never married her sons' father, John Lee Smith. Their relationship ended in 2001 and a custody battle began afterwards. Francina accused Smith of abusing the children, but all of her allegations were dismissed. In early November 2004, Francina told the Smith she was going to take them on a two-week vacation to New Zealand. He told her the trip would be in violation of court orders and contacted his attorney. On November 8, a judge ordered that none of the children could be taken out of the court's jurisdiction by either parent, and that their passports had to be relinquished within 24 hours. The boys' passports were never turned over. Shortly afterwards, Francina abruptly quit her job and left with Lance, Keoni and Mason. They flew from Los Angeles, California to Manila in the Philippines.

The Fernandezes are believed to still be in the Philippines, but their exact whereabouts are unknown and the Philippine government has not provided very much assistance in recovering them. Mason, Lance and Keoni's cases remain unsolved. Their father was awarded full custody of them after their abductions.