Atlanta police say 4-year-old Zola Cooper and 11-month-old Norah Cooper were found safe after being allegedly taken by their babysitter, Lakesha Brown. The children were evaluated at Grady Memorial Hospital and released to family; police reported they are in good health. Brown was located at a trailer on Sylvan Road after community tips and officers heard a baby crying near the residence. Investigators noted Brown had a prior, similar case about five years ago and an outstanding Alabama warrant; no motive or charges have been announced.
Two Georgia Siblings Found Safe After Alleged Babysitter Kidnapping, Police Say
Stock image of police tapeCredit: Getty
Atlanta — Two young siblings reported missing after being left with a babysitter have been located and reunited with their family, Atlanta police said. Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann of the Atlanta Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division called the recovery "great news" at a press conference on Monday, Aug. 17.
Police identified the children as 4-year-old Zola Cooper and 11-month-old Norah Cooper. Both were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for evaluation and then released to family members. APD Lt. Butler told reporters, "Right now the children are in good health."
The children's mother told investigators she had permitted an acquaintance, identified as Lakesha Brown, to babysit the children on the evening of Aug. 15 at about 6:00 p.m. When the mother later could not reach Brown, she reported the situation to police. Officers were dispatched to a home on James P. Brawley Street NW at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 16; a special victims unit later determined a kidnapping had occurred.
Investigators said Brown was identified as a suspect and was believed to be driving a white Ford F-350 with an Alabama license plate. Working with community members, officers located Brown at a trailer home on Sylvan Road. Just before detectives made contact, responding officers heard a baby crying near the residence, Butler said.
"Right now the children are in good health," Butler said during the press conference.
Police noted in their preliminary investigation that Brown is from Alabama and was involved in a prior case with similar circumstances about five years ago. The APD coordinated with Alabama authorities after learning Brown allegedly had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear related to that earlier matter.
Brown was taken into custody. At the time of the press conference, police did not announce formal charges and said there was no known motive; investigators hope to learn more after interviews with Brown at Atlanta Police headquarters. Spann and Butler praised officers and partner agencies — and community members — who worked through the night to help recover the children.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD Special Victims Unit at 404-546-4260 or Crimestoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
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