Two young children, Athena and Mateo Lee, have been successfully located and reunited with their maternal grandmother in California, following a lengthy investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Their father, Camron Lee, aged 40, was apprehended in Mexico on May 17 in connection with the death of his partner, Angelica Bravo.
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Authorities confirmed that the recovery of the children and the arrest of Camron Lee were the result of a public tip-off, which played a critical role in guiding investigators towards their whereabouts. The FBI’s Sacramento Field Office noted that the operation reflected a nearly six-month effort to locate Camron Lee and his children across North America.
The dramatic developments emerged after a tragic incident on July 8, 2024, when police responded to a medical aid call at a residence in Sacramento. There, they discovered Angelica Bravo deceased. At the time, both Athena and Mateo were reported missing, along with their father. It was believed that they had crossed into Mexico in Camron Lee’s vehicle.
Due to the children’s location outside the U.S., authorities indicated that the criteria for issuing an Amber Alert were not satisfied, complicating their recovery efforts. Nevertheless, after thorough investigation and collaboration between various U.S. and Mexican agencies—including the Sacramento Police Department and the Mexican military—a breakthrough was achieved.
Camron Lee’s criminal background was further complicated after he was charged with four counts of possession of an assault weapon on July 26, 2024. Following an investigation by the coroner’s office, he was charged with murder on March 5, 2025, after authorities concluded that “homicidal violence could not be ruled out” in Bravo’s death. An additional federal warrant for his arrest was issued on August 20, 2024, to assist in locating him and the children.
Following the successful arrest, Zachary Bales, Chief of the Sacramento Police Department, expressed optimism regarding the pursuit of justice for Angelica Bravo. He stressed the commitment of law enforcement to hold those who commit violence accountable. “This case sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in our community,” Bales stated.
Thien Ho, the Sacramento County District Attorney, commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in the case. He acknowledged that Bravo’s family had been anxiously awaiting justice since her tragic demise and expressed relief that the children had been returned to their family. “This reunification brings profound relief to Ms. Bravo’s family,” he noted.
As part of the proceedings, the FBI indicated that Camron Lee’s return to the U.S. would be facilitated by a federal initiative known as “Project Welcome Home.” This program specifically aids in transporting fugitives back to face charges within American jurisdiction.
The successful recovery of Athena and Mateo marks a significant milestone in what has been a challenging investigation. Law enforcement agencies hope that this case will encourage the public to remain vigilant and invested in the safety of children, reinforcing the vital role that community cooperation plays in resolving such urgent matters.