Mariana Noriega Identified in Disappearance of 3-Year-Old Kehlani Rogers; Avondale Police Department Issues Alert

Police are urgently searching for 3-year-old Kehlani Rogers, who was reported missing late Friday night from her home near Avondale Boulevard and Thomas Road in Avondale.

Authorities say Kehlani was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on February 20 and is believed to be with 23-year-old Mariana Noriega, who has been identified as a person of interest. Investigators initially referred to the woman only as “Merena” before confirming her identity through a tip.

Surveillance footage later showed Noriega and the child together earlier Saturday at a business in the Maricopa area. Police say it is unknown where they may be now.

Kehlani is described as about 3 feet tall with a thin build, brown eyes, and brown hair. She was first reported wearing pink pajamas with braids but was last seen wearing purple pajamas with multicolored smiley faces.

Noriega is described as approximately 5′1″ tall, about 100 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing black-and-white tank tops and pink fuzzy pants.

An Amber Alert has been issued. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Avondale Police Department at (623) 333-7000 or reach out to Silent Witness, which is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the child’s recovery.