FBI and Arizona Child Abduction Response Team Join Urgent Search
A desperate search is underway across Arizona for a missing 3-year-old girl who authorities believe was abducted from her Avondale home in the late hours of Friday, February 20, 2026. An Amber Alert has been issued for Kehlani Marie Rogers, and investigators say her life may be in danger.
What Happened
According to the Avondale Police Department, Kehlani was reported missing at approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday from her family’s home near 119th Avenue and West Thomas Road. She was initially spotted leaving with a woman known only as “Merena” — a woman who had no familial connection to the child.
By Saturday evening, detectives acting on a community tip were able to positively identify the suspect as 23-year-old Mariana Noriega. Surveillance footage from a local business in the City of Maricopa confirmed that Noriega was seen with the child on Saturday, placing them approximately 30 miles south of where Kehlani was taken.
Who Is Kehlani Rogers?
Kehlani is described as an African American girl, 3 years old, approximately 3 feet tall with a thin build, brown eyes, and brown hair typically worn in braids. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing pink pajamas. Surveillance footage showed her later dressed in purple pajamas featuring multicolored smiley faces.
Who Is Mariana Noriega?
The suspect, Mariana Noriega, 23, is described as a white woman standing 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 100 pounds. She has long brown hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing black and white tank tops with pink fuzzy pants. She has no known legal relationship to Kehlani Rogers.
A Community and Law Enforcement Response
The scale of the response to Kehlani’s disappearance reflects the urgency of the situation. The FBI, the Arizona Child Abduction Response Team (CART), Avondale Police Department, and surrounding sheriff’s deputies have all joined forces in the search. An Amber Alert was issued through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, broadcasting the case statewide.
Authorities have stressed that anyone who spots either Kehlani or Noriega should not attempt to intervene directly but should immediately contact emergency services.
How You Can Help
Law enforcement is urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to Kehlani’s safe recovery. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for tips that result in a breakthrough in the case.

Avondale Police Department: 623-333-7000
Silent Witness (anonymous tips): 480-948-6377 or 480-WITNESS
Emergency: 911

Every second counts. Please share this information widely — a child’s life depends on it.