Missing Boy Found After Seven Years: Charges Filed in Kidnapping Case

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — A boy who was reportedly abducted in Atlanta seven years ago has been found safe in Colorado. Two individuals now face felony charges, including kidnapping, related to the disappearance of 14-year-old Abdul Aziz Khan, according to law enforcement officials.

On Nov. 27, 2017, Khan’s non-custodial mother allegedly failed to attend a scheduled custody hearing in Atlanta. Instead, she reportedly fled the city with Khan and her husband, Elliot Blake Bourgeois. “They did not show up at work one day, just out of the blue,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Fair told the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “They fell off the map.” The search for Khan, which lasted more than seven years, concluded outside of Denver.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a vacant home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on Feb. 23, following reports of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, deputies found two adults near the property and two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway. The suspects, identified as Khalid and Bourgeois, initially claimed to be associated with a realtor, but further investigation revealed their true identities.

“Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Their ability to recognize discrepancies in the suspects’ story ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years.” Khan was reportedly with another unidentified child at the time of the officers’ arrival.

Khalid and Bourgeois face multiple charges, including second-degree kidnapping, forgery, identity theft, providing false information to authorities, and trespassing. Bond has been set at $1 million each.

Khan’s family expressed relief at the news of his recovery in a statement to law enforcement. “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. We specifically want to recognize the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their exceptional work in solving this case,” they said. They also requested privacy as they navigate the next steps in their family’s healing process.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to hold a press conference at noon EST to provide further updates on the case.