The Moore Police Department in Oklahoma has provided an important update following the recent arrest of Ashley Rowland, 39, who faces charges of child abandonment. Initially, the police withheld the child’s identity and photographs, but this information has now been made public to aid in the investigation and raise awareness about the ongoing case.

The missing child, identified as London Kerr, was only 2 years old when she was last seen in April 2022. Authorities have released a photograph of London to assist in locating her and to raise public awareness about her case, which remains a priority for law enforcement.

Following Rowland’s arrest, the Moore Police Department and detectives have been actively investigating multiple locations, storage units, and digital devices in search of evidence related to London’s birth certificate, social security information, and personal belongings such as clothing and toys. The aim is to uncover any leads that may help locate London or provide insight into her current situation, as the community continues to express concern for her safety.

The Moore Police Department emphasized their commitment to finding London, stating, “We are doing everything in our power to locate her within our jurisdiction and plan to file additional charges related to her disappearance.” They have also enlisted the help of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to further support the ongoing search efforts.

London has been entered into the National Crime Information Center, a crucial step in officially recognizing her status as a missing child. Meanwhile, Rowland has reportedly been released on bond, raising questions about the ongoing legal and social implications of her actions.

The charges against Rowland were formally filed in early November, marking a significant development in this ongoing investigation.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed on November 1, through KOCO, the investigation into Rowland’s actions began in April 2023 when the Oklahoma Department of Human Services attempted to obtain custody of the child.

At that time, authorities were unable to locate London, as Rowland allegedly claimed that the child was “with her father in Georgia.” This statement was later proven false when Rowland reportedly confessed to police that she had given her daughter to a man named Carlos, from whom she had purchased methamphetamine.

Rowland then allegedly informed authorities that Carlos might be the girl’s father, although she expressed uncertainty about this claim. She further indicated that neither she nor London had seen Carlos since April 2022, and that he intended to travel to Mexico.

Additionally, Rowland reportedly failed to provide authorities with Carlos’s last name or any distinctive features that could assist in locating him, complicating the investigation further.

According to KTUL, Rowland allegedly confessed to being under the influence of drugs when she made the decision to give her child away, raising serious concerns about her mental state and the circumstances that led to this tragic situation.

“Conditions like those described in this affidavit are heartbreaking and unimaginable,” stated a representative from DHS to PEOPLE. “Like the rest of the community, Oklahoma Human Services is deeply concerned for the child’s safety and well-being, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”

“While we are unable to discuss specific circumstances due to state and federal confidentiality statutes, the agency appreciates our law enforcement partners for their continued efforts in locating her and seeking justice for her disappearance,” they added. “We remain committed to supporting their efforts in any way necessary.”

The Moore Police Department reiterated that this is an active case, emphasizing their dedication to diligently following all leads regarding the child’s whereabouts. They urge anyone with information about London Kerr’s case to contact them immediately, as community involvement can be crucial in resolving such serious matters.

If you are experiencing or witnessing child abuse, please call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911.