Atlanta police have rescued two young girls, 4-year-old Zola Cooper and her 11-month-old sister Norah Cooper, who were allegedly kidnapped by a woman posing as a babysitter. The girls were reported missing by their mother, Elicia Redding, on Sunday and were located on Monday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Lakesha Brown, 42. According to police, Brown had befriended Redding through a social media mothers' group over the past year, presenting herself as part of a support system for mothers. Brown allegedly picked up the girls on Saturday night, promising to return them. When she failed to do so, she initially told Redding the children had been in a car accident.
Police stated that Brown had used a similar tactic in 2021 when she was accused of kidnapping a 4-day-old newborn. In that instance, she also reportedly posed as a babysitter through a social media group to gain the trust of mothers before taking their children.
Rescue Operation
A Levi's Call, Georgia's equivalent of an Amber Alert, was issued for the missing sisters. On Monday, law enforcement received a tip that led them to an apartment complex. Officers heard a child crying from a trailer, described by police as being in 97-degree heat and "unsuitable for human habitation." An officer used bolt cutters to gain entry to the trailer, where they found the two girls and Brown.
Norah, who was reportedly wearing diapers, was brought out first, followed by Zola. Brown was apprehended inside the trailer. "By placing and maintaining the small children in these conditions without proper authority or adequate care, Ms. Lakesha Brown endangered and jeopardized their health, safety, and well-being," police said.
Charges and Prior Incidents
Brown has been charged with kidnapping and will not be granted bond. She waived her first court appearance on Tuesday. The motive behind the alleged kidnapping remains unclear, though police reported Brown admitted she should have returned the children. Brown is currently awaiting trial for the 2021 kidnapping accusation and also has an outstanding warrant in Alabama for failing to appear in court.