Mother Charged With Kidnapping After Missing 3-Month-Old Found

CHICAGO, IL — A West Side mother has been charged with kidnapping her 3-month-old girl, who was missing for more than a week. Mikequera Randolph, 24, did not have custody of her biological daughter, Royalty Wolf, officials said. Randolph was charged Thursday with felony aggravated kidnapping, police said.

The Illinois Department of Child and Family Services said Randolph fled with her daughter during an supervised visit May 14. Officials said Randolph has a long history of unstable and violent behavior. Authorities feared the baby was in danger.

A vigil was held for the baby on Sunday in Evergreen Park. Community members gathered to pray for Royalty's safe return. A woman who adopted Royalty's biological sister said she was very worried about the missing infant.

After police alerts were issued and the 3-month-old was missing for more than a week, officers spotted Randolph pushing the baby in a stroller Wednesday at Francisco and Flournoy in Lawndale, police said. When officers took the baby away, Randolph ran away, and was found 40 minutes later hiding in a garage, police said.

The case aide who was supervising Randolph's visit with Royalty May 14 has been suspended while the circumstances of the baby's disappearance are investigated, a DCFS spokeswoman said.

Randolph is charged with child abduction and one felony count of aggravated kidnapping. She's scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday.

Images via Chicago Police Department