Toddler Found Safe After Yearlong Custody Dispute

Overview

• The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said investigators recovered the toddler on Oct. 8, 2026, and the child was medically evaluated before being returned to the custodial parent.
• The investigation began Nov. 8, 2025, after deputies were notified of an alleged violation of a court-ordered custody arrangement.
• Colorado Springs police arrested the child’s mother, 30-year-old Aleyha Murphy, on Aug. 22, 2026, on suspicion of violating a custody order and released her on a $2,000 bond.
• Detectives executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Rubicon Drive home on Sept. 9, 2026, found evidence pointing to an Aurora address, and Aurora Police with Denver Metro SWAT recovered the child and arrested 54-year-old David McGhee on charges that include second-degree kidnapping; he was released on a $3,000 bond.
• The sheriff credited multi-agency cooperation for the outcome and said criminal charges remain pending, which could lead to court proceedings that determine custody and criminal liability.