AVONDALE, ARIZ., Authorities have issued an AMBER Alert for a missing 3-year-old girl believed to have been taken from her home and possibly in danger.
Kehlani Rogers was last seen around 11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, near 118th Avenue and Thomas Road in Avondale, according to the Avondale Police Department. Officials said she is approximately 3 feet 5 inches tall with a thin build, brown braided hair, and brown eyes.
Investigators have identified 23-year-old Mariana Noriega as a suspect. Police stated that surveillance footage from a business in Maricopa showed Noriega with the child on Saturday, Feb. 21. Authorities confirmed Noriega is not a family member.
In images released by law enforcement, Kehlani was seen wearing purple pajamas with multicolored smiley faces. Noriega was described as a woman of short stature with a thin build and brown hair.
According to family members, Rogers’ father had recently allowed Noriega to stay at the home because she needed assistance. Officials said there was no prior indication or agreement that the child would be taken.
Police reported that local agencies and hospitals were notified following the child’s disappearance, but no confirmed sightings were immediately located at that time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Kehlani Rogers or Mariana Noriega’s whereabouts to contact the Avondale Police Department at 623-333-7000 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS to provide anonymous tips.
The investigation remains active as officers work to safely locate the missing child.
