Los Angeles: On December 15, 2002, the suspect, Rochelle Garrett, was babysitting the victim, Shanyia Payton, a two-year-old female Black. At approximately 3:30 p.m., the suspect failed to return the victim to the mother as promised on the corner of 6^th Street and San Pedro Street.

The victim is still outstanding as of December 17, 2002. The victim has black hair, brown eyes, 2 feet tall, and approximately 35 lbs. She was last seen wearing pink flowered pants, a pink shirt, blue shoes, and a blue "beanie" hat. The victim also has silver hoop-style earring.

The suspect was described as a 29 year-old female Black, black hair, brown eyes, 5’4", 200 lbs. The suspect is heavy set with lazy right eye. The suspect has listed several residence addresses in the South Central Los Angeles and she has been arrested for a similar crime in the past. A photograph of the suspect is available at Central Area Community Police Station.

UPDATE

On Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 9:00 a.m., Central Area Community Police Station Detectives and Officers conducted a follow-up in the city of Santa Monica based on information received from a citizen who had viewed the television news cast earlier this morning.

The suspect, Rochelle Garrett and Shanyia Payton were located at a hotel in Santa Monica, accompanied by a male friend of the suspect. Shanyia was transported to Central Station where she was reunited with her mother. Suspect Rochelle Garrett was arrested and booked for 207 (b) PC-Kidnap. The investigation is continuing and will be presented to the District Attorney when completed.

Anyone with information should contact the Central Area Watch Commander at 213-485-3294. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL,
1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.