Toddler found safe in Denver

Police recovered a toddler in Denver's Montbello neighborhood on Oct. 8, ending a nearly year-long search that began in November 2025. The child was found at a residence where he had been staying with his grandfather. Denver Metro SWAT and Aurora officers entered the home to secure the toddler and take the man into custody.

The investigation started when the child's legal guardian reported to El Paso County Sheriff's Office deputies that the mother, 30-year-old Aleyha Murphy, had failed to return the child as required by a court order. Deputies made several attempts to locate Murphy and the child during the initial phase of the search but were unable to find them.

In August, Colorado Springs police arrested Murphy. The child was not present during that arrest. A subsequent search warrant for Murphy's home directed investigators to the property in Montbello. Officers identified 54-year-old David McGhee, the child's grandfather, as the person with whom the toddler was staying. The sheriff's office confirmed the child was safely returned to their custodial parent.

Court records show McGhee faces charges of second-degree kidnapping, attempt to influence a public servant, and harboring a minor. Murphy faces a charge of violating a court-ordered custody arrangement.

El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal thanked his detectives for their diligence and persistence in ensuring the child was safely found. Roybal stated that the team's commitment was focused on reuniting the toddler with their custodial parent.