Toddler Abducted in Los Angeles County: Police

West Covina police believe the child was taken by his estranged aunt, who has outstanding warrants for her arrest.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Authorities are searching for an 18-month-old boy who police believe was taken from his home by his estranged aunt, Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate. Zarate is on parole, a known drug user, has violent tendencies, and has outstanding warrants for her arrest. The whereabouts of Zarate and the child remain unknown.

Why it matters

Child abductions are deeply concerning incidents that raise public safety issues and require immediate action from law enforcement to locate the missing child and apprehend the suspected abductor. This case highlights the challenges police face in tracking down a suspect with a criminal history who may be transient and unpredictable.

The details

On Friday, West Covina police responded to a residence shortly before 6 p.m. after receiving a call about a kidnapping. When police arrived, they learned the toddler — identified as Isaiah Sunel Nava — was taken from the residence by his aunt, Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate. Investigators obtained surveillance video showing Zarate in the area at the time of the abduction.

  • On Friday, police responded to the residence shortly before 6 p.m.

The players

Isaiah Sunel Nava

An 18-month-old boy who was abducted from his home.

Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate

The 26-year-old estranged aunt of Isaiah Sunel Nava, who is on parole, a known drug user, has violent tendencies, and has outstanding warrants for her arrest.

West Covina Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the abduction and searching for the missing toddler and his suspected abductor.

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What’s next

Detectives, patrol personnel and allied law enforcement agencies are actively working to locate the child and the suspected abductor.

The takeaway

This abduction case highlights the urgent need for the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the missing toddler or the suspected abductor to the authorities immediately. The safety of the child is the top priority, and law enforcement is working tirelessly to bring him home safely.