Oklahoma Authorities Now Treating Search for Missing 4-Year-Old Girl as a “Recovery Operation”

Authorities in Oklahoma are now treating the search for a missing 4-year-old girl as a “recovery operation.” Athena Brownfield was reported missing on Tuesday, January 10th after a postal carrier found her 5-year-old sister wandering alone outside the home of the couple who had been caring for the sisters in Cyril, a city of around 800 people located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from Oklahoma City.

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), special agents and partners from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol have been searching areas of Caddo County for the toddler’s remains. The two children had been in the care of Ivon and Alysia Adams for “at least a year.”

The OSBI has asked anyone with information about the case to contact their tip line at 1-800-522-8017. They are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Athena’s disappearance.

Athena’s disappearance has been a source of great distress for her family and the community. “We are all heartbroken over the disappearance of Athena,” said OSBI Director Ricky Adams. “We are doing everything we can to bring her home.”

The investigation into Athena’s disappearance is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI tip line.