A story that seemed to vanish into thin air has finally found its resolution after seven years of uncertainty. Abdul Aziz Khan, now 14, was found in Colorado, with his mother, Rabia Khalid, and her new husband, Elliot Blake Bourgeois, arrested on charges of kidnapping, following a discovery that has stunned many.
Aziz’s disappearance in 2017 gripped the nation. The young boy, then 7 years old, vanished from his Atlanta home on November 27, the same day his mother failed to show up for a scheduled custody hearing. At the time, it was believed that Khalid had taken her son and fled, possibly to avoid the custody battle. Despite a nationwide search, Aziz’s whereabouts remained a mystery, and his case was even featured on Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries.”
Fast forward to February 23, 2023, when a routine call about a possible burglary in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, would lead to a breakthrough. Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at approximately 3:37 p.m., after the homeowner reported a break-in via his security cameras. When deputies arrived, they found two suspects—Khalid, 40, and her husband, Bourgeois, 42—who initially claimed they were real estate employees. However, something didn’t quite add up in their stories.
Their explanations quickly began to unravel, prompting deputies to dig deeper. As they investigated further, they found two children inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. Upon closer inspection, detectives identified one of the children as Abdul Aziz Khan, the long-lost boy who had been missing for nearly seven years.
“Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly, praising his team’s diligence. “Their ability to recognize discrepancies in the suspects’ story and to follow leads—even when the situation seemed unclear—ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years.”
Aziz’s family was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing the news. For seven years, they had suffered the torment of not knowing where he was or if he was safe. The recovery brought a wave of relief, and they expressed their gratitude to all those who had supported them through this difficult journey. “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years,” they said in a statement.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also commended the detectives for their sharp instincts, which ultimately led to Aziz’s safe return.
Both Khalid and Bourgeois were arrested and charged with kidnapping, forgery, identity theft, providing false information to authorities, and trespassing. Their bond was set at $1 million each. Meanwhile, Aziz and the other child in the vehicle—whose identity has not been made public—are currently in protective custody. A court will determine their future placement.
This case highlights not only the perseverance of law enforcement but also the importance of keeping a sharp eye out for discrepancies, no matter how seemingly insignificant they may seem. It’s a victory for justice, and a reminder of the lengths to which some will go to escape accountability. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the deputies involved, a family has been reunited, and a dangerous chapter has come to a close.
