In a remarkable turn of events, a boy who went missing from Georgia seven years ago has been found alive and well in Colorado. Abdul Aziz Khan, who was just seven years old when he disappeared, has been living with his mother, Rabia Khalid, who allegedly abducted him.
The case captured national attention, even featuring on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries.’ Authorities found Abdul in late February during an investigation into a reported burglary in a vacant house in Douglas County.
The unexpected discovery was made when deputies responded to a security alert at the property, where Abdul was identified among children left in a car. This surprising development has brought a complicated mix of emotions to those involved, particularly Abdul’s family, who had been waiting for his return for almost a decade.
The ordeal began on November 27, 2017, when Abdul was taken by his noncustodial mother from their home in Atlanta, sparking a nationwide search. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado confirmed that alongside Abdul, another child was present, though their identity has not been released.
The authorities further revealed that 40 years old Rabia Khalid and 42 years old man named Elliot Blake Bourgeois had been present at the house and were apprehended. They now face multiple charges, including Second Degree Kidnapping and Identity Theft. The case highlights ongoing challenges in child abduction investigations, as authorities mobilize various strategies to reunite families.
Abdul’s family expressed immense relief following his recovery, releasing a heartfelt statement through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: ‘We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years.’
While the family navigates the road to healing, they have sought privacy and emphasized their gratitude for the resolve demonstrated by law enforcement. As legal proceedings unfold, Abdul’s safe return signifies a significant breakthrough in a case that had once seemed to slip away into the shadows.
The story of Abdul Aziz Khan, from his disappearance in Georgia to his astonishing recovery in Colorado, serves as a reminder of the resilience of families and the ongoing commitment of authorities in resolving missing children’s cases.
