2-Year-Old Kidnapped Girl Found Safe After Parents Let Meth-Smoking Stranger Stay in Their Home

Kehlani Rogers was located two days after she was allegedly abducted by a woman her parents had welcomed into their Arizona home.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 2-year-old girl was found safe two days after she was allegedly kidnapped from her Arizona home and forced to sleep on the streets by a meth-smoking 'random woman' who the child's parents let stay at their home, according to authorities. The suspect, Marina Noriega, 23, was taken into custody after being located with the child at a gas station in Phoenix.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks families can face by allowing strangers into their homes, as well as the dangers of drug use and the challenges law enforcement faces in quickly locating missing children. It also raises questions about parental responsibility and the need for greater awareness around home security and vetting guests.

The details

According to court records, Kehlani's parents told police they had welcomed the 'random woman' into their home who needed a place to stay. Early Saturday morning, the 2-year-old's parents woke up to discover Noriega had vanished along with their baby. Noriega was in possession of a glass pipe when she was taken into custody and admitted to smoking methamphetamine the day before.

  • On Friday evening, Kehlani was last seen at her home in Avondale.
  • On Saturday morning, Kehlani's parents discovered she was missing.
  • On Sunday morning, Kehlani was located safe.

The players

Kehlani Rogers

A 2-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped from her Arizona home.

Marina Noriega

A 23-year-old woman who was arrested for allegedly abducting Kehlani after the child's parents let her stay in their home.

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What they’re saying

“She admitted to smoking methamphetamine the day before, and that was during the time she had control of the child.”

— Stephen Garcia, Maricopa County Attorney's Office (12 News)

What’s next

Noriega has been charged with custodial interference and was ordered held on a $250,000 cash-only bond. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of carefully vetting guests and the risks families face by allowing strangers into their homes, especially those with substance abuse issues. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in quickly locating missing children and the need for greater awareness around home security and safety.