EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Police Department (EPPD) assisted in locating a missing five-year-old child from Albuquerque on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 23 in East El Paso, according to the New Mexico State Police (NMSP).
An Amber Alert was issued for Kaelani Gonzales, 5, when she was abducted at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from Kirtland Elementary School by her non-custodial grandma, Marianne Garnand, and aunt, Cecilia Garnand, according to NMSP.
Witnesses of the abduction saw Marianne Garnand run with Gonzales towards a dark-colored SUV parked along Gibson Avenue, NMSP said.
According to NMSP, Investigation Bureau agents learned that Gonzales was in the custody of the Children Youth and Families Department since July.
NMSP agents also learned that Cecilia Garnand was a conspirator in the abduction of Gonzales and the women were driving towards Texas.
EPPD and the Texas Department of Public Safety were asked to help in the investigation by NMSP.
According to NMSP, at roughly noon on Oct. 23, Marianne and Cecilia Garnand were arrested at a Circle K gas station located at 3291 Zaragoza Rd.
Gonzales was found at a nearby residence and was safely removed, according to NMSP.
Marianne and Cecilia Garnand were both charged with child abuse, custodial interference and conspiracy to commit a felony, according to NMSP.
“The partnership between the New Mexico State Police, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the El Paso Police Department was crucial and instrumental in bringing Kaelani to safety. This collaboration highlights the dedication of law enforcement when agencies can come together for the safety of our citizens,” NMSP said.
The case is still under investigation by NMSP.
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