Abdul Aziz Khan, Who Disappeared from Georgia 7 Years Ago at Age 7, Found in Colorado — Why His Mother Now Faces Charges

Abdul Aziz Khan, the boy who went missing from Georgia at the age of 7, has been discovered in Colorado after seven years. The news broke when the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado made a public announcement on March 5th, revealing that Abdul Aziz Khan, now 14 years old, had been located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado on Feb. 23. The authorities were alerted to a potential burglary at a residence on Kelliwood Way in Highlands Ranch at 3:37 p.m. on the said date. Upon investigation, it was found that a homeowner monitoring security cameras had noticed suspicious activity and promptly contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Darren Weekly recounted during a press conference that deputies responding to the call encountered two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway.

Subsequently, a woman and a man emerged from the house and claimed affiliation with a realtor. The pair were later identified as Abdul’s mother, Rabia Khalid, and Elliot Blake Bourgeois, respectively. Sheriff Weekly highlighted that inconsistencies in their statements raised suspicions for the deputies involved. Investigations were intensified as the authorities sought to verify the identities of all individuals present at the scene. It became evident that Khalid, aged 40, was wanted for the kidnapping of her son Abdul when he was just 7 years old in Atlanta back on Nov. 27, 2017. The motive behind the abduction was speculated to be Khalid’s apprehension that Abdul’s father was on the verge of gaining full custody of the child.

Rabia Khalid now faces a string of charges, including conspiracy to kidnap, forgery, identity theft, and trespassing. On the other hand, Elliot Blake Bourgeois, aged 42, stands accused of 14 charges, such as kidnapping, forgery, identity theft, providing false information to authorities, and trespassing. Both individuals were taken into custody, and the two children found at the scene were promptly put under protective care. The authorities refrained from revealing the identity of the second child involved in the incident. The relief and jubilation over Abdul’s safe recovery were palpable in a statement released by the family through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Expressing immense gratitude for the unwavering support received over the tumultuous seven-year period, the family requested privacy as they navigate the healing process and strive to rebuild as a united front.

Ultimately, the discovery and rescue of Abdul Aziz Khan in Colorado after a prolonged period of uncertainty serve as a testament to the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding individuals vulnerable to criminal activities. The diligent work of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office underscores the importance of thorough investigations and unwavering commitment to upholding justice. The family’s emotional journey, from the heart-wrenching disappearance to the heartwarming reunion, resonates as a beacon of hope amidst challenging circumstances. As the legal proceedings unfold and the healing process commences, the newfound sense of closure and relief permeates through the community, reaffirming the significance of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.