Toddler Kidnapped by 'Random Woman' Parents Let Stay in Home

3-year-old Kehlani Rogers found safe after overnight ordeal with stranger

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 3-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped by a 23-year-old woman her parents had allowed to stay in their Avondale, Arizona home because she 'needed a place to stay.' The girl, Kehlani Rogers, was found safe the next day after an intense search, but the stranger, Marina Noriega, is now facing charges of custodial interference.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks parents can face when allowing strangers into their homes, even out of compassion, and the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety. It also comes on the heels of another high-profile kidnapping in the region, raising concerns about public safety.

The details

According to police, Noriega allegedly took Kehlani from the family's home overnight on Friday. The parents woke up Saturday morning to find their daughter and the 'random woman' they had let stay with them were gone. An Amber Alert was issued, and Kehlani and Noriega were spotted on surveillance footage in Maricopa before being found at a QuikTrip in Phoenix. Noriega initially claimed to be Kehlani's mother before admitting she 'made a mistake,' though she denied having any plan for the child.

  • On Friday night, Noriega allegedly kidnapped Kehlani from the family's home in Avondale.
  • On Saturday morning, the parents woke up to find Kehlani and Noriega missing.
  • On Sunday, Kehlani and Noriega were found at a QuikTrip in Phoenix.

The players

Kehlani Rogers

A 3-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her Avondale, Arizona home by a stranger her parents had allowed to stay with them.

Marina Noriega

A 23-year-old woman who allegedly kidnapped Kehlani Rogers from her home and was later arrested and charged with custodial interference.

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What’s next

Noriega is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond and is facing charges of custodial interference. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder for parents to exercise extreme caution when allowing strangers into their homes, even if the situation seems dire. The safety of children must be the top priority, and this incident highlights the need for vigilance to prevent such traumatic events from occurring.