On 22/2, the Avondale Police Department in Arizona announced the arrest of Marina Noriega, 23, in connection with the abduction of 2-year-old Kehlani Rogers.

The incident began on the evening of 20/2, when Kehlani's parents, whose identities were not disclosed, allowed a woman "in need of shelter and help" to stay at their home. The following morning, 21/2, they awoke to find both the woman and their daughter missing. Kehlani was last seen at 11:30 PM on 20/2 at her home.

Upon receiving the report, the Avondale Police Department promptly issued an urgent alert, releasing the suspect's photo and appealing to the public for assistance.

Marina Noriega (left) and Kehlani Rogers in a photo released by police. *Photo: Avondale AZ PD*

Investigators received a crucial tip that helped identify Marina Noriega as the suspect. A woman informed police she had given Marina and the child a ride to Maricopa city on 21/2. During this ride, Marina reportedly disclosed plans to take a train to California.

Surveillance camera footage from a business in Maricopa further confirmed Marina's presence there with the child, providing additional evidence for the ongoing investigation.

The search concluded on the morning of 22/2, when police located Marina and Kehlani at a gas station after they were initially spotted in Phoenix city. The child was safely recovered.

Surveillance camera footage shows Marina Noriega pushing Kehlani Rogers in a stroller in Maricopa on 21/2. *Photo: Avondale AZ PD*

During questioning, Marina initially claimed to be Kehlani's mother, but later recanted her statement, admitting she "made a mistake." According to investigators' reports, the woman "denied having any plans after abducting the child and denied any intention to sell or harm the child."

Tue Anh (according to People, 12news)