GRADY COUNTY, Okla. — Two caregivers have been arrested after a 4-year-old girl went missing in Oklahoma, officials say.
In a news release, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations said that Ivon Adams, 36, is facing a count of first-degree murder and a count of child neglect relating to the disappearance of Athena Brownfield. Adams is awaiting extradition from Arizona back to Oklahoma. He was taken into custody in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday.
Alysia Adams was arrested on Thursday in Oklahoma and is facing a count of child neglect, OBSI said.
OBSI said that Alysia and Ivon were reportedly Athena’s caretakers when she disappeared. Athena’s older sister, who is 5 years old, was also in their care. She was found on Tuesday near the Adams’ house at 225 W Nebraska in Cyril, Oklahoma. OBSI said a postal carrier reportedly found the girl by herself and contacted the police. She is currently in protective custody.
According to The Associated Press, OBSI did not provide any information about what led them to Alysia and Ivon’s charges.
Authorities believe that Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design on it when she disappeared, according to the AP.
OBSI said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in search of Athena, according to the AP. Helicopters, boats, and all-terrain vehicles have been assisting searchers. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance video from around Cyril.
According to the AP, the city of Cyril has also suspended trash service due to the investigation.
No further information has been released. The investigation is ongoing.
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