Child Abduction Regional Emergency (C.A.R.E.) Alert Aunt Sought in the Kidnapping of 2-1/2 month-old Girl NR11196lpk

***UPDATE***

The missing child has been located and is in good condition.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the mother of 2 ½ month-old Arury Costello is requesting the public’s help in locating her.

On April 30, 2011 at around 4 p.m., the mother of the missing person and the missing person’s father were involved in a verbal dispute located in the 400 block of Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey. During the dispute, the father left the residence. Hours later, at 11 p.m., the suspect, aunt to the father of Arury, ordered the mother to leave the residence. The suspect told the mother not to take Arury while pushing her out of the residence and keeping the child.

The mother contacted the police. The police went to the residence and during their investigation were unable to locate either one.

Arury Costello is described as a female white, with green eyes weighing 9 pounds and 21 inches long. She has eczema on her eyes and face. Arury was last seen wearing pajamas with cherry’s on them.

The suspect, Mary (or Angela) Merino, is described as a female white, black hair with red/copper colored tips, standing 5 feet 5 inches, weighing 120 pounds and in her 40’s.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Arury Costello is urged to contact LAPD Pacific Division at 310-482-6334.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.