Two-year-old Kehlani Rogers was found safe Sunday morning after being missing for two days in Avondale, Arizona. Police arrested 23-year-old Marina Noriega at a Phoenix gas station while she was with the child.
Key Developments
- The family reported the child missing Friday evening after she was last seen at her home in Avondale.
- Early Saturday morning, the parents discovered that the woman who had been staying with them had left the house with the child.
- Police issued an Amber Alert and received a tip from surveillance cameras in Maricopa confirming the two were together.
- A witness reported giving a ride to a woman and a girl matching the alert description; the woman stated she planned to take a train to California.
- Sunday morning, authorities located and arrested Noriega in Phoenix; the girl was safe.
Testimony and Charges
According to court records cited by local media, Noriega initially claimed to be the child's mother but later admitted she was not, saying she "made a mistake." Records indicate the suspect stated she had no specific plans after taking the child and no intention to sell or harm her.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office stated that when arrested, Noriega possessed a glass pipe and admitted to using drugs prior to and during the period she had control of the child.
Noriega has been charged with interference with child custody and is being held on a $250,000 cash bond.
Current Status
Kehlani has been confirmed safe. The investigation is ongoing.
