Where is Elizabeth Thomas Now from Abducted By My Teacher Movie on Lifetime

In 2023, Lifetime was back with an all new lineup of “ripped from the headlines” original movies. One was called Abducted By My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story. The movie is based on the true story of student, Elizabeth Thomas and her teacher Tad Cummins. Elizabeth was a new student in the school where Tad taught. Tad was a beloved teacher by all the student. However, when Elizabeth entered his life, everything changed. We are ready to answer your questions – where is Elizabeth today? Where is Tad Cummins today? Let’s dive in now!

Who is Elizabeth Thomas?

Elizabeth Thomas was a 15-year old student at Culleoka Unit School in Culleoka, Tennessee in 2017.  

When her family moved to the Tennessee town, Elizabeth was the new girl in school.  She was placed in Tad Cummins class.  The 50-year old taught her health science.  Elizabeth was a little apprehensive and shy in her new school, unable to make friends easily.  

Tad reached out to mentor the high school student, but their seemingly innocent relationship turned during the year.

Elizabeth Thomas’s mother’s name is Kimberly Thomas.  She was accused of child abuse and neglect according to court documents.  So that’s when Elizabeth’s father and siblings all moved to Culleoka in 2017.

Elizabeth’s father’s name is Anthony Thomas.  He was her sole caretaker when she was in high school.  He told ABC News that he wished his daughter could be just the same as she was before the kidnapping but realizes that isn’t going to be the case.

Anthony told ABC that upon Elizabeth’s return, “it was really great to have her tell me she loved me.”

Where is Elizabeth Thomas Now?

Elizabeth Thomas was rescued in 2017 after 6 long weeks of being kidnapped by her teacher Tad Cummins.  

After much therapy, Elizabeth started re-living a normal life.  Elizabeth Thomas is now married to her husband, Skylar Dirla.  Together, they share one son. Elizabeth and Skylar got married on June 15, 2019.

Look at this picture of Elizabeth Thomas, her husband Skylar and son posted to Facebook. They all look like such a happy family!

Elizabeth now goes by the name Liz Dirla. She, her husband and son live in Tennessee together as a family.

Watch Elizabeth Talk About Her Wedding

Elizabeth joins Inside Edition to talk about life after these traumatic events.

Where is Tad Cummins Now?

Tad Cummins was suspended from school on February 6, 2017.  A little over a month later, he took a $4,500 loan out on his car.  He and Elizabeth were seen in various spots during their March/April escapades.  Then finally, on April 20, 2017, police rescued Elizabeth in a remote cabin.

Tad Cummins was married to his wife, Jill Cummins.  The couple have two daughters and a grandson, Elliot.  Jill filed for divorce from Tad after 31 years while he was still on the run away with Elizabeth on March 30th.

Today, Tad Cummins is serving his 20 year jail term.  He is currently being held at a prison in Alabama, one state away from his hometown in Tennessee.  

In 2020, Tad submitted paperwork requesting release from prison due to the COVID pandemic.  However, his request was denied.

Tad had an Instagram profile of his own that is still accessible today.

Here is a picture of Tad with his wife Jill during happier times in 2015.

Where is Elizabeth Thomas’s Brother, James Thomas

James Thomas is Elizabeth Thomas’s brother. He was placed in charge of Elizabeth after she was rescued from her kidnapping by teacher, Tad Cummins.

In 2022, he was accused of one count of falsifying records with the alleged rape of an inmate according to Law & Crime.  James Stewart is 31 years old and works as a jailer in Columbia, Tennessee.

How to Watch Abducted by My Teacher from Lifetime

Did you miss “Abducted by my Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story” or maybe you just want to watch it again. Did you know it is available on Amazon? You can rent or buy it!

For a limited time, it is also available on the Lifetime TV website! Watch Abducted By My Teacher for free now.

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