New Mexico Infant Found Safe After Amber Alert; Father in Custody

Diego Lopez, Reporter

LAGUNA, N.M. — An Amber Alert issued for 5month-old Ezra Raphealito of Espanola has been canceled after the infant was found safe, according to New Mexico State Police.

The alert was triggered Thursday afternoon just after 5:15 p.m., urging the public to be on the lookout for a 2015 white GMC truck with Utah license plates traveling westbound on Interstate 40 from Albuquerque toward Gallup. The alert had identified the child's father, 22--year-old Jerdarious Raphealito, as a person of interest. Authorities have since confirmed that he is now in custody, with the Santa Clara Police Department leading the arrest.

While specifics on how Ezra was located remain limited, it has been confirmed that she was found in the Pueblo of Laguna. The child's Native American heritage spurred the Pojoaque Police Department into action, as the department is deeply involved in combatting the widespread issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and their Relatives.

The swift response from both state and local law enforcement agencies was instrumental in ensuring Ezra's safe return.

As of press time, no further details were available regarding the circumstances of the abduction or the subsequent investigation. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities.