Amber Alert canceled for 3-year-old Delaware girl
An Amber Alert has been canceled for a 3-year-old girl who was removed from her home in New Castle, Delaware on Monday following a domestic dispute.
According to press release and tweet from New Jersey State Police, Elinor Trotta was found safe in Massachusetts. Her father, Michael Trotta, is in police custody. No other details were offered.
Earlier, Elinor's mother Dawn Barkus made a tearful plea for her return. "I'm just begging anybody who knows where she is or him or whoever's helping him, please bring her home," cried Barkus at a press conference in Delaware on Tuesday according to NBC 10. "I don't care how he does it, just bring her home."
Delaware State Police say they have recovered a grey Mazda Trotta was initially driving.His last known location, say police, was in Mount Laurel.
The New Castle County Police Department were investigating the child's disappearance which is believed to be related to a domestic dispute that occurred in the School Side Apartments in New Castle.
"At approximately 6:48 p.m., County Police responded to the 800 Block of East Basin Road (School Side Apartments) for the report of a domestic related assault," according to a statement issued by NJ State Police on Monday. "The reporting person advised that her ex-boyfriend, 39-year-old Michael Trotta came to her residence, assaulted her, and took their 3-year-old daughter."
Michael Trotta is described as a white male, 5’8” tall, approximately 160 pounds, balding/short haircut, scruffy beard and mustache last seen wearing all black clothing.
"The suspect fled the scene in a 1989 gray Ford Mustang or an older model (2000s) red Ford Explorer with his 3-year-old daughter," according to the alert. He may also be traveling with an unknown adult white female.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Dad Abducts 3-Year-Old Delaware Girl / NBC 10
- Tearful mother pleads for abducted daughter's return / Delaware Online