Iowa girl, 5, disappears after being 'kidnapped' by her mother three months ago – as police say they 'honestly have no idea' where she is and heartbroken father pleads for her return
- Avery Lydia Doherty was reportedly 'kidnapped' by her non-custodial mother, Esther Bender, in October 2023
- Police say they have no idea it is her and have been trying to follow leads for three months
- This week, the FBI announced it was joining the search and Avery has now been added to the national database for missing children
<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Iowa police have yet to locate a 5-year-old girl who was allegedly “kidnapped” by her non-custodial mother.
Avery Lydia Doherty was reported missing to the Story County Sheriff's Office in October 2023.
Officials believe the child was taken by her mother, Esther Bender, who does not have legal custody of the child.
When she disappeared, no Amber Alert was issued because there was no vehicle description available.
Avery Lydia Doherty was reported missing to the Story County Sheriff's Office in October 2023
Both parents were involved in a lengthy custody battle and court documents show Brandon petitioned for visitation rights
It is unclear who had custody of the child in the meantime
According to KCCIFather Brandon Doherty and Bender had a lengthy custody battle and court documents show Brandon petitioned for visitation rights.
It is unclear who had custody of the child in the meantime.
After three months without news, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced they would join the search for the toddler this week.
Brandon also told the station: “At first I even told officers, 'No way, I don't see her doing that,' but the longer we go on. I'm starting to have really dark thoughts.
'I spend a lot of time in my daughter's room and talk to her. I pray a lot.
“Walk from my dartboard through my house to my room where I have a mirror and it's just a back and forth pace
'I keep asking God to give her a hug from me. I want to pinch her so bad.'
Ames Police Public Information Officer Sergeant Amber Christian said they “honestly have no idea” where the mother and daughter are
Brandon said, “I keep asking God to give her a hug from me. I want to squeeze her so bad.”
Ames Police Public Information Officer Sergent Amber Christian told KCCI that the department is continuing to follow up on leads, but they “honestly have no idea” where the mother and daughter are.
'We honestly have no idea. Everywhere we have been, everywhere we have looked, there have been no solutions. And so we have another detective who checks everything that comes in. At this point we don't know where they are.
“Right now we would like Esther to let us know that Avery is doing well, and in doing so she needs to come forward and show us Avery and have a conversation,” Christian said on January 2.
The investigation is ongoing and Avery has now been added to the national database for missing children.