![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1793049658_451_abc-action-news-640-x-200-peacock.png\"\/)
<\/p>\nCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) \u2014 A toddler who had been missing since November 2025 has been found safe and returned to their custodial parent.<\/p>\n
The El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office said they were notified of a suspected custody violation of a court order involving a toddler. The child\u2019s mother, 30-year-old Aleyha Murphy didn\u2019t comply with the court order and didn\u2019t return the child, according to EPSO.<\/p>\n
Deputies say several attempts to find Murphy and the child were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
Colorado Springs Police found and arrested Murphy August 22, 2026. She was booked into the El Paso County Jail for violation a custody order, according to EPSO. She was released on a $2,000 bond but the toddler was not with her.<\/p>\n
The Sheriff\u2019s Office said September 9, 2026, they executed a search warrant at Murphy\u2019s residence on Rubicon Drive in unincorporated El Paso County. They said they found an address of interest in Aurora, Colorado associated with the child\u2019s grandfather.<\/p>\n
They said they contacted the Aurora Police Department\u2019s Fugitives and Narcotics Unit which helped to confirm the child\u2019s location.<\/p>\n
A SWAT team was called out and the child was recovered on October 8.<\/p>\n
The child\u2019s grandfather, 54-year-old David McGhee was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail. He is charged with second-degree kidnapping, attempt to influence a public servant, and harboring a minor. He was released on a $3,000 bond.<\/p>\n
The child was returned to the custodial parent.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank our detectives for their diligence, persistence, and commitment throughout this investigation to ensure the child was safely found and reunited with their custodial parent,\u201d said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. \u201cI also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Aurora Police Department, Denver Metro SWAT, and all our partner agencies who provided invaluable assistance and resources. Their collaboration and dedication were instrumental in bringing this case to a safe resolution and ensuring the child\u2019s well-being.\u201d
___<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Right to Hunt and Fish? Amendment 83<\/p>\n
Right to Hunt and Fish? Amendment 83 question asks voters<\/p>\n
News Tips <\/p>\n
What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below. <\/p>\n
____<\/p>\n