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Trespass Call Leads to Discovery of Missing Boy Featured on Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries”
A routine trespass call led to the discovery and rescue of a young boy who was the subject of a high-profile kidnapping case and featured on Netflix’s "Unsolved Mysteries."
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado announced that Abdul Aziz Khan, now 14, had been recovered, and two individuals were arrested in connection with his disappearance over seven years ago.
"We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years," the family of Aziz said in a statement shared with the agency. "Now, as we navigate the next steps, we ask for privacy so that we can move forward as a family and heal together."
Background of the Case
Aziz was reportedly kidnapped in 2017 from Atlanta, Georgia, by his non-custodial mother, Rabia Khalid, 40, and her new husband, Elliot Blake Bourgeois, 42. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Khalid failed to appear for a custody hearing on November 27, 2017, and subsequently fled with Aziz.
Abdul, Aziz’s father, shared that Khalid made it increasingly difficult for him to see his son after she moved from New Orleans to Atlanta for a new job. This sparked a bitter custody battle that lasted several years.
"I made my whole work schedule around Aziz," Abdul told NCMEC. "I’d visit him every other weekend and bring him to New Orleans so he could be with his family." The center noted that it was clear Khalid was going to lose custody of Aziz.
Break in the Case
The U.S. Marshals Service had searched for Khalid and Aziz across 11 states. The breakthrough came on February 23, when deputies responded to a trespassing call at a vacant home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Upon arrival, deputies found two adults near the property and two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway. The couple claimed to be associated with a realtor, but their story fell apart when their identities were revealed.
The woman was identified as Khalid, who had an active warrant for kidnapping, and the man was Bourgeois.
"Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth. Their ability to recognize the discrepancies in the suspects’ story and follow the leads ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years," said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly.
Charges and Next Steps
Khalid and Bourgeois face charges including Second Degree Kidnapping, Forgery, Identity Theft, Providing False Information to Authorities, and Trespassing. Their bonds were set at $1 million each, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 27.
Aziz, along with another child whose identity was not released, was placed into protective custody.
Family Reunification
Sheriff Weekly shared that he had the "privilege" of meeting Aziz’s family and said, "there wasn’t a dry eye in the room."
"This family has a long road ahead of them. But our team is there for them. We will walk with them step by step as they navigate this journey. We hope they find healing and hope in the days, weeks, months, and even years ahead of them," Weekly said.
"This case highlights the commitment of our officers to seek justice and protect the most vulnerable. It’s a reminder of the incredible difference our work makes in the lives of those we serve."
Gratitude and Continued Investigation
U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III for the Eastern District of Louisiana expressed gratitude for the recovery effort, particularly acknowledging the swift actions of the Douglas County authorities. He also thanked NCMEC, Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, and Crimestoppers GNO for bringing public attention to the case.
John Bischoff III, Vice President of the Missing Children Division at NCMEC, emphasized the importance of public attention in family abduction cases.
"The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has worked closely with law enforcement and Aziz’s family since his disappearance, always believing he could be found," Bischoff said. "Thanks to the deputies’ keen instincts and the attention of both law enforcement and the public, Aziz is now safe. As Aziz and his family reconnect and heal, NCMEC will continue to support them."
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected].
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