Police Search for Missing Twin Babies, 17-Year-Old Mother in Dolton

Infants require special care after recent hospital discharge

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:13am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby bottle or pacifier against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The disappearance of vulnerable infants and their young mother has sparked a desperate search, exposing the urgent need for stronger support systems to protect at-risk children.Dolton Today

Twin infant boys, Jaylen and Jayden, who were recently discharged from the hospital and require special care, have gone missing along with their 17-year-old mother from their home in Dolton, Illinois. Police have issued a missing person advisory as family members plead for their safe return, believing they may be with another adult.

Why it matters

The disappearance of the vulnerable infants and their young mother has sparked a desperate search, raising concerns about their wellbeing and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. The case highlights the challenges faced by young, single parents and the need for robust support systems to ensure the safety of at-risk children.

The details

The one-month-old twins, both under 5 pounds, were reported missing from their Dolton home between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. on April 20th. The babies, Jaylen and Jayden, were recently discharged from the hospital and require special care, including a specific formula that Jaylen needs to help with digestion. Their 17-year-old mother, Zarreya, also went missing with the infants. Police have activated a missing person advisory and are working with the family to locate the three.

  • The twins were reported missing between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. on April 20, 2026.
  • The one-month-old twins were recently discharged from the hospital.

The players

Jaylen and Jayden

One-month-old twin infant boys who were recently discharged from the hospital and require special care, including a specific formula for Jaylen.

Zarreya

The 17-year-old mother of the missing twin infants.

Ashley Atkinson

The grandmother of the missing twin infants, who is the caretaker and guardian of the babies.

Andrew Holmes

A Dolton Village Trustee who has worked with the family in the past and has been called to help locate the missing three.

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What they’re saying

“Bring them back. Nothing is that important for you just to take them that way. Sometimes things work out the way you want. I love you. I miss you.”

— Ashley Atkinson, Grandmother of the missing twins

“Well, what we're first trying to do is make sure all three of them are healthy. And also, try to locate them if they're located, try to get them to the nearest emergency rooms, nearest hospital, and let the police department do the investigation from there.”

— Andrew Holmes, Dolton Village Trustee

What’s next

Dolton investigators have asked Illinois State Police to activate a missing person advisory, and they are working with the family to locate the missing twins and their mother.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of young, single parents and the urgent need for robust support systems to ensure the safety and wellbeing of at-risk children. The disappearance of the twins and their mother has sparked a desperate search, underscoring the importance of community engagement and coordinated efforts between law enforcement and family members to address such crises.