• 3-year-old Noriyah King went missing on December 10.
  • King was last seen wearing this outfit on December 10.

Update, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11: “The mother has been released from custody this evening and not charged, after investigation this afternoon there were no elements of any criminal activity that could be established,” according to KCPD. “Missouri DFS will be the ones to make any determinations about living arrangements or custody from this point forward.  They will work to ensure a safe environment for Noriyah.“

Update, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11: King has been located and she is safe.  KCPD was notified about 11:15 a.m. that she was located at a residence here in Kansas City and she is uninjured.

There is an investigation underway at this time regarding child endangerment. The mother is in custody for investigation right now. Police anticipate that a case file will be submitted today to the prosecutor’s office for consideration of applicable charges.

Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) officers continue to search for 3-year-old Noriyah King, a Black female, Friday morning.

King was last seen on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. in the area of 38th and Highland.

King is three feet tall and 45 pounds. She is possibly wearing an orange or pink coat. She was last seen wearing dark pants that read “Frozen” and a dark shirt with a blonde character inside a star (see photo with Santa).

“We are working with her mother to gather as much info as we can,” Becchina said. “Officers searched the area near the house extensively and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department helped, as well. We used K9’s Drones as well.”

They will continue to work with her parents throughout the morning to gather more information. Detectives remain hopeful that someone knows where she is.

“Investigators will be back out in the area this morning re-canvassing as people are waking up, and we are hopeful that someone will see the broadcasts and notify us with information about her location,” Becchina said.

This case does not meet the criteria to issue an Amber Alert at this time, according to KCPD.

“That does not mean that we are not investigating and searching the the fullest extent of our abilities,” Becchina said.

Those interested can find information about Amber Alerts in KCPD’s policy at https://www.kcpd.org/media/1818/pi1401.pdf.

In addition to calling 911, those with information can contact the Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5136