California Girl Kidnapped in 2020 Found Living Across Country Under Fake Name

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A California girl who was kidnapped in 2020 at the age of 5 has been found living across the country in North Carolina under a different name. Authorities in North Carolina located the 11-year-old victim on March 10 and took her into protective custody, stating that she is now safe.

Why it matters

Child kidnappings are extremely rare but devastating events that can traumatize victims and their families for years. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in locating missing children, especially when the perpetrator goes to great lengths to hide the victim's identity and location.

The details

The girl was last seen in Duarte, California on June 2, 2020. Her mother was believed to have taken her, and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services received a missing persons report the following month. However, the mother soon stopped communicating with authorities. Investigators in North Carolina were able to determine the child had been enrolled in the Washington County School District under an "alias name" and located her there on March 10.

• The girl was last seen in Duarte, California on June 2, 2020.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services received a missing persons report the following month (July 2020).
• The girl was located in North Carolina and taken into protective custody on March 10, 2026.

What’s next

Authorities in California and North Carolina stated the investigation is ongoing, but did not share whether any arrests have been made in connection with the kidnapping.