Infant kidnapped in Campo Grande reunited with family after rescue in Paraguay

A 28-day-old baby, Ayla Emanuelly, has been reunited with her family in Campo Grande, Brazil, one week after being kidnapped. The infant was located in Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay, following a search that lasted several days.

The kidnapping occurred in the Universitário neighborhood of Campo Grande. According to the mother, a 17-year-old, she was allegedly lured by Suzilaine da Graça Costa, 37, under the pretense of a paid babysitting job. The mother and her 12-year-old sister were reportedly forced to hand over the infant under threat.

Paraguayan authorities rescued the child during a raid on a residence, where they arrested a Brazilian couple, including Costa and a man identified as Alex Melo de Abreu. After being repatriated to Brazil and undergoing medical and psychosocial evaluations, the child was cleared of any injuries.

Judge Katy Braun do Prado authorized the reintegration of the infant into her family on Thursday. The case remains under investigation by the Specialized Police Station for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Depca) in Mato Grosso do Sul.