A child reported missing from a Haltom City home in September 2025 was found concealed inside a Dallas County apartment last Friday, and reunited with her father, Haltom City police said. Multiple relatives were arrested in a multi-jurisdiction investigation and face charges of interference with child custody. Police said the child appears to be in good health and is receiving social and medical services.
According to the Haltom City Police Department, the probe began after the girl’s father, who holds sole managing conservatorship, reported in September that he had been unable to locate or contact his daughter. Detectives were given a single Snapchat photograph, and a March 18 phone call falsely portrayed the child as safe in California. The department said the case was entered into state and national missing-child databases with assistance from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Charges and Legal Context
Interference with child custody is codified at Texas Penal Code §25.03, which generally treats the offense as a third-degree felony and allows for stiffer penalties in aggravating circumstances. Prosecutors weigh evidence from investigative warrants and partner agencies when determining whether to file charges.
Search, Arrests and Welfare
According to the Haltom City Police Department, four detectives working with partner agencies executed two search warrants and two arrest warrants last Friday, locating the child concealed in a Dallas County apartment shortly before 7:00 a.m. The department identified three relatives, Anesa DiAngelo, Makayla DiAngelo and Zaryah DiAngelo, who were arrested or transported during the operation. Anesa was taken to the Denton County jail, Makayla to the Garland Police Department detention center, and Zaryah was arrested last Saturday and later posted bond. Police said Anesa and Makayla were charged with interference with child custody, third-degree felonies, and that an animal cruelty inquiry was opened in Denton County after officers observed concerning living conditions. All cases have been presented to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Missing-Child Systems and Next Steps
Law enforcement agencies typically enter missing juveniles into state and national databases so officers across jurisdictions can be alerted. Federal guidance and statutes require prompt NCIC entries, and national clearinghouses like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provide technical and distribution support. A Congressional Research Service overview describes how NCIC and related federal systems help coordinate searches and alerts across agencies, and local prosecutors will now determine whether formal indictments follow…