Amber Alert
Missing 9-Year-Old Durham Boy Found Safe, Woman in Police Custody
Durham, N.C. — In a dramatic turn of events, a missing 9-year-old boy from Durham, North Carolina, has been found safe, and a woman is now in police custody. The Durham Police Department confirmed that Geon King-Parriett was located unharmed on Friday, following an Amber Alert issued late Thursday night.
Geon King-Parriett, who had been reported missing on Thursday evening, was last seen in the company of his biological mother, Mariah King. The pair was spotted leaving a residence on South Benjamine Street on foot around 6 p.m. Geon was described as being approximately 4 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and sweatpants.
Mariah King, 33, was described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time of their disappearance, she was wearing gray sweatpants and a black crop top, with her hair styled in a bun.
The Amber Alert, which was disseminated widely through various media channels and law enforcement networks, played a crucial role in the swift resolution of this case. The alert system, designed to galvanize community support in locating missing children, prompted numerous tips and sightings that ultimately led to the safe recovery of Geon.
Durham Police Department officials have not disclosed the specific circumstances surrounding how and where Geon was found, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, they confirmed that Mariah King has been taken into custody and is currently being held for questioning.
This incident has drawn significant attention from the local community and beyond, highlighting the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system in mobilizing public assistance. It also underscores the critical role of community vigilance in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.
In a statement, Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews expressed relief and gratitude for the positive outcome. "We are incredibly thankful that Geon has been found safe and is now back with his family. The cooperation and support from the community were instrumental in bringing this situation to a swift and safe resolution," she said.
The circumstances leading up to the disappearance remain unclear, and authorities have not yet released information regarding any potential charges that Mariah King may face. The investigation will likely delve into the reasons behind the abduction and any underlying issues that may have contributed to the incident.
As the community breathes a collective sigh of relief, the focus now shifts to ensuring Geon's well-being and understanding the factors that led to this unsettling episode. Social services and child welfare agencies will likely be involved in providing support and resources to Geon and his family during this time.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and responsive to Amber Alerts and other public safety notifications. The rapid dissemination of information and the collective efforts of law enforcement, media, and the public can make a significant difference in the outcomes of such critical situations.
For now, the Durham community can take comfort in the fact that a potentially tragic situation has been averted, thanks to the prompt actions of all those involved. Further updates from the Durham Police Department are expected as the investigation continues.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact the Durham Police Department at (919) 475-2511 or call 911. The community's ongoing support and cooperation remain vital as authorities work to piece together the full story behind this incident.
Citations:
[1] https://abc11.com/post/amber-alert-missing-durham-nc-boy-mother-mariah-king/15097140/
[2] https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/amber-alert-issued-endangered-9-year-old-nc-boy/O2ITBOBA7BG5PJAECPNMDOUQLM/
[3] https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/amber-alert-9-year-old-boy/275-fb29f623-ad23-4d35-9985-c939b3d67cd9
[4] https://www.wxii12.com/article/amber-alert-missing-9-year-old-durham-boy/61704663
[5] https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/durham-county-news/amber-alert-issued-for-missing-9-year-old-durham-boy/