Avondale, Arizona — Authorities have confirmed that 3-year-old Kehlani Marie Rogers, who was the subject of an Amber Alert issued Friday night, has been located safe in Arizona.
Police also identified Mariana Noriega, 23, as the suspect in the reported kidnapping.
The Amber Alert was activated after Kehlani was reported taken from her home near 118th Avenue and Edgemont Street, just south of Thomas Road in Avondale, around 11:00 p.m. on Friday.
According to initial reports, the child was last seen with a woman known to the family as “Merena.” Law enforcement later identified the suspect as Mariana Noriega.
Investigators said surveillance footage captured Noriega earlier in the day in the City of Maricopa, Arizona, accompanied by Kehlani.
At the time, the child was reportedly wearing purple pajamas decorated with multicolored smiley faces.
The Avondale Police Department issued the Amber Alert after determining that Kehlani was believed to be in imminent danger.
Mariana Noriega was described as a white female with a short, thin build, brown hair worn in a ponytail, hazel eyes, and wearing a white shirt with pink or purple pants at the time she was last seen with the child.
Authorities have not yet released details about the relationship between Mariana Noriega and Kehlani Marie Rogers, nor have they disclosed the circumstances that led to the alleged abduction.
Following coordinated efforts between Avondale Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies, Kehlani was safely recovered. Officials have not reported any serious injuries.
Mariana Noriega is now identified as the primary suspect in the case.
Police have not yet released full details regarding charges but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
The Avondale Police Department thanked the public for sharing information during the alert and assisting in spreading awareness that ultimately contributed to the child’s safe recovery.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation into the events surrounding the incident.
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