Crime
Five Teens Charged in Connection with the Abduction of 4-Year-Old Blessing Aoci
Rock Island, IL – Authorities from the Rock Island Police Department, Illinois State Police, and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, have announced charges against five teenagers in connection with the abduction of 4-year-old Blessing Aoci.
The incident began on the morning of January 16, 2025, when a statewide AMBER Alert was issued following the theft of a vehicle with Blessing inside.
The child’s mother had briefly left the car running with Blessing secured in a car seat in the back.
The car was then stolen, sparking a massive 8.5-hour search involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The search effort mobilized extensive resources, including K-9 units, drones, and a command post.
Law enforcement agencies acted swiftly on tips from the community and video footage submitted via doorbell cameras.
The stolen vehicle was located near an apartment complex, but Blessing was not inside. Investigators identified leads through social media posts, particularly on Snapchat, which pointed to an apartment within the complex.
A search warrant was secured, and the U.S. Marshals executed the operation, detaining several teenagers. However, Blessing was still missing at that time.
Just before 3:00 PM, a breakthrough occurred, and Blessing was located unharmed. Authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances of her discovery but confirmed she was taken to the hospital for evaluation before being reunited with her mother.
The Rock Island Police Department announced charges against five teens in connection with the incident:
- Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18, charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
- Juvenile #1, a 16-year-old Hispanic male, charged with Kidnapping and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
- Juvenile #2, a 16-year-old Black male, charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
- Juvenile #3, a 15-year-old Black female, charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
- Juvenile #4, a 14-year-old Black female, charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
Authorities have stated that the 16-year-old Hispanic male suspect was the individual who initially stole the vehicle with Blessing inside.
All suspects are expected to appear in court between today and the weekend.
The Rock Island Police Department has expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance during the investigation. Tips and surveillance footage played a crucial role in resolving the case and ensuring Blessing’s safe return.
Further details about the suspects and the events leading to Blessing’s recovery are expected as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized their commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
Crime
Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting Near Columbia Mall – Suspect in Custody
Columbia, MD – A teenage boy was killed, and another remains in critical condition following a targeted shooting near The Mall in Columbia on Saturday evening.
According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, the shooting did not occur inside the mall but took place in the vicinity of the Lidl grocery store and a bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway.
Mall operations were unaffected and proceeded as normal, closing at 8 p.m.
Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Emmetson Zeah of Columbia in connection with the double shooting.
Zeah has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses.
The incident occurred on February 22 at approximately 5:52 p.m. when police responded to reports of gunfire in the 10300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, identified as 16-year-old Michael Robertson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, 15-year-old Blake McCray, was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack; however, the motive remains unclear.
During a search of Zeah’s residence, authorities recovered the firearm used in the crime as well as the clothing he allegedly wore during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.