On Tuesday evening, at approximately 7:15 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 500 block of Gender Road for a reported kidnapping. Nola’s mother advised that she had pulled over after Nola became upset and was attempting to comfort her when an unknown white male armed with a handgun approached the vehicle and took Nola. The suspect then fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female.

An Amber Alert was issued for 3-year-old Nola, and the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit, along with the FBI, began an intensive investigation that continued through the night.

As a result of that investigation, detectives determined the initial account of the incident given by the mother was false. The Amber alert is now canceled, and there is no danger to the public. Sadly, this incident is now being treated as a homicide investigation by the Maryland State Police. 

Our detectives are continuing to work closely with the FBI and Maryland State Police.  Additional information will be released as it becomes available.  We thank everyone who called in and provided possible tips and information.  All media inquiries related to this investigation should be directed to the Maryland State Police Office of Media Communications.