HALTOM CITY, Texas — A 4-year-old child reported missing for months was found safe in Dallas County following a multi-agency investigation that led to the arrest of three family members, authorities said.
The case began in September 2025 when the child’s father, who had sole managing conservatorship, contacted the Haltom City Police Department after being unable to locate or communicate with his daughter since 2023. After unsuccessful attempts with other agencies, the case was assigned to Detective E. Madigan, who launched an extensive investigation to determine the child’s whereabouts and ensure her safety.
Investigators identified extended family members in Denton and Dallas counties, while the child’s mother was believed to be out of state. Authorities said repeated requests for the child to be presented to law enforcement or medical professionals were ignored. The child was entered into state and national missing persons databases on September 8, 2025, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children distributed information to aid in the search.
Detectives received limited information during the investigation, including a single Snapchat image in October 2025 that was presented as proof of the child’s well-being. Law enforcement agencies in other states also made contact with the mother on multiple occasions but reported no indication that the child was with her.
On March 18, 2026, investigators were provided a phone number for a video call with the child, which was later determined to be a ruse intended to mislead authorities about her location.
On April 3, 2026, Haltom City detectives, working with the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the IRS, the Prosper Police Department, and additional U.S. Marshals personnel, executed two search warrants and two arrest warrants targeting the child’s maternal grandmother and aunt.
The child was located unharmed shortly before 7 a.m. inside an apartment in Dallas County, where authorities said she had been concealed. During the operation, investigators also initiated an animal cruelty investigation in Denton County based on conditions observed at a related location.
Police said the child appears to be in good health and is receiving social and medical services. She has since been reunited with her father through coordination with Child Protective Services.
Three individuals were taken into custody in connection with the case. Zaryah Diangelo was charged with interference with child custody and was arrested on April 4, 2026, before posting bond. Anesa Diangelo faces the same charge and was transported to the Denton County Jail; she had previously posted bond on March 20, 2026, for interference with public duties related to the investigation. Makayla Diangelo was also charged with interference with child custody and transported to the Garland Police Department Detention Center.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. All cases have been submitted to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
