Missing Boy Found After Seven Years: A Shocking Rescue in Colorado
In a shocking turn of events, a routine trespassing call led to the discovery of a missing child who had been abducted seven years ago. Authorities in Douglas County, Colorado, recently recovered 14-year-old Azid Khalid, who had disappeared from Louisiana in 2017. His mother, Rabia Khalid, had taken him without legal custody, and for years, his father had been searching for him, uncertain if he would ever see his son again.
This extraordinary case highlights the importance of law enforcement diligence, quick-thinking homeowners, and advanced technology like doorbell cameras in solving crimes. It also raises significant questions about how a missing child can remain undetected for so long.
A Seven-Year Mystery Finally Solved
Azid Khalid’s story began in 2017 when he went missing at the age of seven. His father had been desperately seeking answers for years, hoping that law enforcement or the public might provide a lead. However, the case remained unsolved, and Azid’s whereabouts remained a mystery.
Fast forward to 2025, and the break in the case came in an unexpected way. A Highlands Ranch homeowner noticed two individuals acting suspiciously around his vacant property. Thanks to his doorbell camera, he was able to see them prowling outside, which prompted him to call 911.
This seemingly minor event turned into a major crime breakthrough when responding deputies discovered that one of the individuals was a wanted fugitive. Even more shocking was that one of the children found in a van nearby was Azid, the missing boy from Louisiana.
The Moment of Discovery
The homeowner, Kyle Krone, had been in the process of selling his home and was not expecting any visitors. When his security system alerted him to movement at his front door, he decided to check the footage.
“Something told me to look at it,” Krone said. “Maybe by the grace of God, I don’t know. But I’m glad that I did.”
The footage showed a man and a woman walking up to the property. Krone’s instincts told him something wasn’t right, so he quickly called authorities.
Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes. They found the pair leaving the property and noticed a van parked in the driveway with two children inside. What initially seemed like a potential burglary soon became a much bigger investigation when deputies started questioning the suspects.
Conflicting Stories and Red Flags
As deputies spoke with the adults, they noticed inconsistencies in their stories. The pair provided false names and conflicting explanations about why they were at the property. Recognizing the suspicious behavior, deputies decided to dig deeper rather than simply accepting the answers they were given.
It was only after further investigation that authorities discovered the woman’s true identity—Rabia Khalid, a fugitive wanted in Louisiana for abducting her son seven years ago. The child in the van was confirmed to be Azid Khalid, now 14 years old.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office praised the quick actions of its deputies. Instead of dismissing the situation as a minor case of trespassing, they followed their instincts and uncovered a case that had gone unsolved for years.
“Thanks to the attention to detail and quick response of our deputies, a 14-year-old boy has been safely recovered after being missing for seven long years,” said a sheriff’s office spokesperson.
Arrests and Charges
With their identities confirmed, deputies immediately took Rabia Khalid and her accomplice, Elliot Bourgeois, into custody. The two are now facing multiple felony charges, including criminal impersonation and charges related to kidnapping.
Authorities also revealed that the suspects had been living in Aurora, Colorado, though it remains unclear how long they had been there or what prompted them to return to Highlands Ranch that day. Investigators are still working to piece together the details of Azid’s life over the past seven years.
“We don’t yet know how they managed to stay under the radar for so long, but that’s part of what we’re investigating now,” said an official from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Reunion with His Father
Azid’s father, who had been searching for his son for nearly a decade, traveled to Colorado as soon as he heard the news. While the discovery of his son was a miracle, the emotional reunion will take time and adjustment.
“This is the only life Azid has known,” one investigator said. “He was taken as a young child, and now, as a teenager, he’s being reintroduced to a life he doesn’t remember.”
Experts say that reunification in cases like these can be complicated. After years of living in hiding, children often form strong bonds with their abductors, even if those relationships are built on deception. This can make the transition to their rightful guardian both emotional and challenging.
A specialist in child abduction cases explained, “It’s not as simple as just returning the child to the custodial parent. There is a lot of psychological healing that has to happen. It’s a slow process that requires patience, therapy, and trust-building.”
The Role of Technology in Crime Solving
One of the most significant factors in this case was the role of modern technology. The homeowner’s doorbell camera played a crucial role in identifying the suspects and alerting law enforcement.
Over the past decade, home security systems have become more advanced, with features like motion detection, live streaming, and facial recognition. These tools have not only helped homeowners protect their property but have also become valuable assets in criminal investigations.
“If it wasn’t for that doorbell camera, who knows how much longer this case would have gone unsolved?” said a law enforcement official. “Technology played a huge role in bringing this child home.”
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
While the safe recovery of Azid Khalid is a major victory, many questions remain unanswered:
- How did Rabia Khalid manage to keep Azid hidden for seven years?
- Were there other individuals who helped them stay under the radar?
- How did they support themselves financially during that time?
- What was their purpose for being at the Highlands Ranch home?
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence, interview the suspects, and piece together the full story.
Community Reactions
The case has shocked and captivated the local community, with many expressing relief that Azid is now safe.
“It’s terrifying to think that something like this can happen and go unnoticed for so long,” said one Highlands Ranch resident. “I’m just so glad he’s been found.”
Others have praised the homeowner for trusting his instincts and calling authorities.
“This could have easily been ignored, but that man did the right thing. His quick thinking may have saved that boy’s life,” said another community member.
A Wake-Up Call for Missing Children Cases
This case sheds light on the broader issue of missing children and the challenges of solving long-term abduction cases. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, thousands of children are reported missing each year, and while many are recovered quickly, others remain missing for years.
Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the importance of public awareness, technology, and community involvement in solving these cases.
“Every missing child case is different, but what we’ve learned from cases like this is that persistence pays off,” said a missing persons advocate. “We need to keep searching, keep asking questions, and never give up hope.”
The rescue of Azid Khalid after seven years is a testament to the power of vigilance, technology, and law enforcement determination. What started as a routine trespassing call turned into the resolution of a long-standing missing child case, bringing hope to families still searching for their loved ones.
While the road ahead will not be easy for Azid or his father, this case serves as a reminder that even after years of uncertainty, missing children can still be found.
