Amber Alert Issued for Missing Infant in Los Angeles
Authorities are searching for a 9-month-old girl last seen in the Westlake district on Monday.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Babies
The California Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert for 9-month-old Nylah Austin following her abduction in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. Authorities are asking the public to stay alert and report any information regarding the child or suspect Kennisha Austin.
Why it matters
Amber Alerts are essential public safety tools that leverage broad communication networks to rapidly disseminate critical information when a child is feared to be in danger. This activation by the California Highway Patrol serves to coordinate search efforts between local law enforcement and the community.
This Amber Alert was activated by the California Highway Patrol on behalf of the Torrance Police Department to aid in the search for an abducted 9-month-old infant. The specific conditions and path of travel for the suspect and child remain under active investigation.
The players
California Highway Patrol
The state law enforcement agency responsible for managing the Amber Alert system in California.
Torrance Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the abduction.
Nylah Austin
The 9-month-old girl who is the subject of the ongoing Amber Alert.
Kennisha Austin
The 29-year-old suspect identified by authorities in connection with the abduction.
The details
The Amber Alert system functions through a partnership between law enforcement agencies and media broadcasters to relay descriptions of abducted children and suspects to the general public. Nylah Austin is described as 18 inches tall and weighing 15 pounds, while 29-year-old Kennisha Austin is 5 feet tall and weighs 100 pounds. The Torrance Police Department is leading the investigation and coordinating with state authorities to facilitate the safe recovery of the child.
Timeline
Nylah Austin was last seen on Monday.
The Amber Alert remains in effect as of Wednesday.
Health Landscape
This activation follows the established procedures of the national Amber Alert Program, which coordinates multi-agency responses to time-sensitive child abduction cases. It reflects a longstanding reliance on rapid, localized information sharing to assist law enforcement recovery efforts.
Residents in the Los Angeles area are encouraged to keep a close watch for the individuals described in the alert to assist in a safe recovery. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the child or the suspect should contact local law enforcement immediately.
The takeaway
The Amber Alert system remains one of the most effective tools for community-assisted recovery of abducted children. Stay observant of your surroundings and report any potential sightings of the involved parties to the police, as public awareness is vital to this ongoing search.
Further reading
For additional context on keeping young children safe and informed, visit Babies.
