An Amber Alert has been issued for one-year-old Javion Bluebird, who was forcibly abducted from his grandmother's home on Thursday night, March 13, 2025, around 9:30 PM local time. The alarming incident took place near 18th Street and Summit Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Authorities have identified the primary suspect as Lelana Sitting Up, a 29-year-old Native American woman. According to police reports, Sitting Up displayed a weapon, believed to be a handgun, when she threatened the child's grandmother before taking Bluebird.
Described as being 2 feet and 1 inch tall, weighing 25 pounds, and having brown eyes and black hair, Javion was last seen wearing a Pampers diaper and white crew socks. An Amber Alert was issued early Friday morning at around 2:30 AM CDT, urging the public to keep an eye out for the missing child.
Police have indicated there was also another individual present during the abduction, identified as a 17-year-old female, who has not been named. Both women are believed to be traveling together with Javion. According to the Sioux Falls Police Department's spokesman Sam Clemens, “This is the first fully activated amber alert by Sioux Falls.”
The relationship between Sitting Up and the child's non-custodial father, Jade White, has come under scrutiny. It is reported they are currently involved, which adds another layer to this disturbing case.
Officials have issued descriptions of both the child and the suspect. Lelana Sitting Up is 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, has brown eyes, and brown hair styled in a ponytail, noted for having a distinctive tattoo saying “No Excuses No Regrets” on the right side of her neck. At the time of the abduction, she was observed wearing dark clothing, including a black shirt and sweatpants.
The vehicle associated with the suspects is reported to be a white, early 2000s Chevrolet Impala with loud power steering noises, which could aid the public and law enforcement agencies during their search. Police have strongly advised anyone spotting either the vehicle or the individuals to contact Metro Communications at 605-367-7000 or 911 immediately.
Local authorities are deeply concerned for the child's safety. An escalated concern is propelled by the potential criminal ramifications. If the suspects are found guilty of kidnapping and if the intent behind the abduction is determined to inflict harm or hold the child for ransom, they could be facing severe legal consequences, including Class C felony charges, which could result in life imprisonment.
Sioux Falls has historically suffered from high rates of violent crime compared to other parts of South Dakota. Although there has been some decline in overall violent crime rates recently, there was still an alarming record number of homicides reported last year, adding urgency to the search for Javion and raising community concerns around safety.
Community engagement is being encouraged through the Amber Alert system. The alert is calling for immediate action: anyone who recognizes Javion or encounters anyone matching the description of Lelana Sitting Up, along with the suspect vehicle, should reach out to law enforcement right away. The larger community remains on high alert, with families fearing for the safety and wellbeing of the young boy.
Police have reiterated the importance of reporting sightings rather than attempting to intervene directly. The message is clear — it is imperative to contact law enforcement immediately if anyone has any information.
Anyone with knowledge about Javion's whereabouts, along with Sitting Up's or the unidentified juvenile suspect's location, is urged to provide tips. The community plays a pivotal role, as the quick dissemination of information via such alerts can go a long way toward recovering abducted children.
Authorities hope for the safe return of Javion Bluebird and are rallying both local and state resources to facilitate the search. The swift issuance of the Amber Alert reflects the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of Sioux Falls law enforcement to resolve this case as quickly as possible.