LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — An Amber Alert for 11-month-old Khamari Key has concluded with positive news: she has been found safe after being abducted by Grover Jack-Kellum Key III during what authorities describe as a violent altercation with her mother.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Khamari was reported missing after her mother, Jaicee Blake, fled their vehicle to escape from Grover following the violent dispute. The altercation escalated when Grover allegedly tried to strike Khamari's mother with the car and hit another pedestrian, raising alarms about the child's safety.
The incident occurred on Broadway Street around 8:30 p.m. Thursday when Blake sought to flee from Grover, who is described as 22, standing 5'9" tall and weighing 135 pounds, with distinctive black dreadlocks. Witnesses reported disturbing scenes, stating they saw Grover "burning rubber" as he sped away, leaving the child behind.
Joe Burks, a bystander who intervened during the fight, recounted the chaotic events. “He had jumped in there and burnt rubber and knocked [Blake] in the air,” he recalled. Burks witnessed the confrontation and felt compelled to step in when he saw the physical violence escalate. "I heard her say, 'My baby's in there. He took my baby,'" Burks said, emphasizing the fear and urgency of the situation.
Reports indicate police found the abandoned vehicle shortly afterward, but both Khamari and Grover remained unaccounted for. The search for Grover continued throughout the night and early morning. Authorities updated the public on Friday, alerting them to the dangers stemming from the violent nature of the dispute and urging anyone with information to step forward.
By early afternoon on Friday, good news emerged. Khamari was located safe and healthy. According to Jaicee Blake's Facebook post, arrangements were made for Khamari to be returned from a family member, lifting the collective worry of the community who had rallied for the infant’s safe return.
Despite Khamari's safe recovery, Grover remains at large, sparking whispers of concern among local residents about the continuing threat of domestic violence. His whereabouts are uncertain, and law enforcement continues their search, shifting focus now to finding him before another incident occurs.
This incident serves as a reminder of the precarious situations surrounding domestic disputes involving children. Amber Alerts are issued to quickly disseminate information to the public about missing children, and this case gaied significant traction. The community responded to the alerts, showcasing how proactive local efforts can be pivotal during such emergencies.
Authorities have described the link between the shooting incident at the Broadway Food Mart and the abduction as uncertain. Local law enforcement officials did not determine if the two incidents were connected, but the timing raises significant concerns about patterns of violence.
The Little Rock Police Department has requested the community's assistance in locating Grover Key. They encouraged anyone with potential information on his whereabouts to contact them directly at (501) 404-3001.
With Khamari now safe with her family, the primary focus shifts to ensuring the suspect is apprehended, highlighting the community's eagerness to see justice served and avoid another distressing situation.
This developing story reminds us all of the complex layers of domestic violence cases and the urgency of swift action through community vigilance. The experience shared by Burks and the resolution of Khamari’s situation encourages continued awareness and support for those caught in similar circumstances.