A 3-year-old Arizona girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert has been found safe, according to the Avondale Police Department. Kehlani Rogers was reported missing from Avondale, Arizona, after she was last seen late on the night of Friday, Feb. 20.
Authorities announced Sunday morning that the child had been safely located, bringing an end to an intense two-day search.
Investigation and Suspect Identified
Police have taken 23-year-old Marina Noriega into custody in connection with the alleged abduction. According to court records cited by 12 News, Kehlani’s parents told investigators they had allowed a “random woman” who needed a place to stay into their home. When they woke up Saturday morning, both the woman and their daughter were gone.
During the search, investigators received a tip that led them to identify Noriega as a suspect. A woman later told police she had given Noriega and the child a ride to the City of Maricopa. During the ride, Noriega allegedly said she planned to take a train to California. Surveillance footage from a local business in Maricopa reportedly confirmed Noriega was there with the child.
Child Located in Phoenix
On Sunday morning, authorities located Noriega and Kehlani at a gas station in Phoenix after they were sighted in the area. Police said the child was found safe.
During questioning, Noriega allegedly told officers that she was Kehlani’s mother before later recanting the claim and stating she had “made a mistake,” according to court records. Investigators reported that she denied having any plan for the child after taking her and denied any intent to sell or harm her.
Legal Proceedings
Avondale police said Noriega would be booked into the Maricopa County Jail on charges related to the incident. The jail confirmed Monday that she has been booked, though authorities have not yet publicly detailed the specific charges.
