Police in Atlanta have recovered two missing sisters, Zola Cooper, 4, and Norah Cooper, 11 months, who were allegedly abducted by their babysitter, Lakesha Brown, over the weekend. Authorities confirmed the children were found safe Monday afternoon in the Sylvan Road area after an Amber Alert was issued.
The girls were reported missing Saturday at 10:30 p.m. after their mother returned from dinner to find Brown had disappeared with them. The mother had left the children in Brown’s care at 6 p.m. that evening. Police stated Brown had previously been accused in a 2021 kidnapping case in Alabama, where she was arrested for abducting a newborn infant.
Arrest and Charges
Brown, 42, was taken into custody following the recovery of the children. Atlanta police did not immediately disclose the charges but confirmed the investigation remains active. The case has drawn attention due to Brown’s prior legal history, which includes the 2021 Alabama incident where she allegedly gained the trust of the infant’s family before taking the child.
Timeline of Events
- Saturday, 6 p.m.: Mother leaves children with Brown for babysitting.
- Saturday, 10:30 p.m.: Mother reports children missing after failing to reach Brown.
- Sunday: Amber Alert issued for Zola and Norah, with Brown identified as a suspect.
- Monday afternoon: Police locate children in Sylvan Road area and reunite them with their mother.
Details of the Missing Children
Zola was last seen wearing a multicolored dress and is 3 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 42 pounds. Norah, who is missing two fingers on her right hand, was last seen in a pink onesie and weighs 28 pounds.
Police Response and Investigation
Atlanta police described the case as an active investigation, noting that staffing shortages may have delayed the initial response by up to 40 minutes. Authorities have urged the public to contact the special victims unit or Crimestoppers with any information.
The case remains under investigation as officials determine next steps regarding charges and potential legal proceedings against Brown.