by Avondale, Arizona — A 3-year-old girl who was reported missing from her home has been found safe after an intense two-day search that prompted an Amber Alert and a multi-agency investigation.
The Avondale Police Department confirmed that Kehlani Rogers was located Sunday morning, two days after she was last seen late Friday night.
Authorities say the child was safely recovered and a suspect is now in custody.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Police identified 23-year-old Marina Noriega as the suspect in the case. She has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail system in connection with the incident, according to authorities.
While police have not publicly detailed the formal charges, officials confirmed Noriega was taken into custody after investigators tracked her movements across multiple cities.
Parents Reported Child Missing Saturday Morning
According to court records cited by local media, the child’s parents told investigators they had allowed a woman they described as a “random” individual to stay at their home because she needed a place to stay.
When they woke up Saturday morning, both the woman and the child were gone.
An Amber Alert was issued shortly afterward as officers began searching for the missing toddler.
Tip Leads Investigators to Suspect
During the search, police received a tip that helped identify Noriega as a suspect.
Authorities said a woman reported giving Noriega and the child a ride to the City of Maricopa, where Noriega allegedly mentioned plans to take a train to California.
Surveillance footage from a local business in Maricopa reportedly showed Noriega with the child, helping investigators confirm her whereabouts.
Law enforcement used tips and surveillance video to trace the suspect’s movements across the region.
Child Located at Phoenix Gas Station
On Sunday morning, police said Noriega and the child were located at a gas station in Phoenix after being sighted in the area.
Authorities said Noriega initially claimed to be the child’s mother but later recanted that statement, telling investigators she “made a mistake,” according to court records.
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Investigators also reported that Noriega denied having any plan for the child after taking her and denied any intent to harm or sell the child.
Investigation Ongoing
The case remains under investigation as officials review evidence and determine the full scope of charges.
Police have not released additional details about how Noriega came to stay at the family’s home.
Authorities emphasized that community tips played a critical role in safely recovering the child.
Support Resources
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, help is available through the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or online at childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7 and offers confidential assistance in more than 170 languages.
What steps do you think families can take to better protect children when allowing others into their homes? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
