NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The father of a 3-year-old girl who has been missing for months has been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
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27-year-old Ricky Beasley faces charges of first-degree kidnapping and child abuse or neglect.
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On Aug. 25, North Las Vegas police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 4600 block of Mission Cantina Avenue, near Lone Mountain Road and North Fifth Street, regarding missing 3-year-old Zaela Walker. Police previously said that she was 2 years old.
The toddler was last seen with her parents, Beasley and 27-year-old Lakeia Walker in North Las Vegas.
Detectives placed the three missing persons' names into the national database in an attempt to locate the family. After several months, detectives received word the parents were located.
On Nov. 17, Texas Department of Public Safety Officers came into contact with Beasley and Walker who did not have custody of Zaela. Both claimed to have no knowledge of Zaela’s whereabouts and became uncooperative.
On Dec. 1, the North Las Vegas Police Department received a tip from the public that Beasley and Walker were seen at a local casino, located near Civic Center Drive and Cheyenne Avenue. Officers arrived and detained them. After interviews, Beasley was initially booked at the Las Vegas City Jail on traffic-related charges and taking a vehicle without owner’s consent. Police said new evidence led to Beasley being charged with kidnapping and child abuse.
Walker was released and is cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department immediately at 702-633-9111.
