Woman Indicted After Allegedly Abducting 3-Year-Old Girl in Arizona

Marina Noriega faces charges of custodial interference and second-degree burglary in the kidnapping of Kehlani Rogers.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 23-year-old woman named Marina Noriega has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of custodial interference and second-degree burglary in connection to the alleged kidnapping of a 3-year-old girl named Kehlani Rogers from her family's home in Avondale, Arizona. Noriega is currently being held on a $250,000 cash bond.

Why it matters

The alleged kidnapping of a young child from her family's home has understandably caused significant concern and alarm in the Avondale community. This case highlights the importance of child safety and the need for vigilance against potential abductions, as well as the complexities involved when a stranger allegedly enters a family's home and takes their child.

The details

According to prosecutors, Noriega was charged with custodial interference due to her alleged attempts to keep Kehlani Rogers away from her parents. The burglary charge stems from Noriega illegally being in the family's home prior to the kidnapping. Police say Noriega initially claimed Kehlani was her own daughter, but later admitted the girl was not her child and that she had made a mistake.

  • Kehlani Rogers was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on February 20.
  • Two days later, on February 22, Kehlani was found safe.
  • Noriega is scheduled to be arraigned on March 11.
  • Noriega's trial is tentatively expected to begin on July 8.

The players

Marina Noriega

A 23-year-old woman who has been indicted on charges of custodial interference and second-degree burglary in connection to the alleged kidnapping of 3-year-old Kehlani Rogers.

Kehlani Rogers

A 3-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted from her family's home in Avondale, Arizona, on February 20.

Rachel Mitchell

The Maricopa County Attorney who announced Noriega's indictment.

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What they’re saying

“I shouldn't have took advantage of the situation and done what I did. You're right, that's my fault.”

— Marina Noriega (AZFamily)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday, March 11, whether to allow Noriega to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This alleged kidnapping case underscores the need for heightened awareness and security measures to protect vulnerable children from potential abduction, as well as the importance of a thorough investigation and prosecution to hold offenders accountable and provide justice for victims and their families.