New Leads in Oklahoma City as Police Hunt for Missing Girl After Abuse Claims Surface

Arrests Made in Connection with Missing Child Case

Oklahoma City police have made arrests in connection with the disappearance of a young girl, London Kerr, who has been missing since April 2022. The individuals arrested are Ashley Rowland and Joshua Denton, both of whom are linked to London’s case through their relationship with the child.

Both suspects have other children who were key witnesses for the police during the investigation. Dillon Quirk, a representative from the Oklahoma City Police Department, noted that the primary caregivers or individuals last known to be with the child played a significant role in the case.

London Kerr was just two years old when she disappeared and is now five years old. The case involves collaboration between the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Moore Police Department. In September 2024, court records indicated that Moore police officers learned from the Department of Human Services (DHS) that Rowland had claimed London was with her father in Georgia, which was later found to be false. In October, DHS visited the home where they believed London was living with her mother, but residents stated they hadn’t seen London in two or three years.

Court documents show that Rowland initially told investigators she had given her daughter to a man named Carlos, someone she had previously purchased meth from and who may have been London's father. Carlos reportedly told Rowland he was returning to Mexico. Rowland was arrested in October of the previous year but was released on bail. She later admitted to lying to investigators, stating that Carlos did not sell drugs or use meth.

“We don’t have very credible information from the people that assumed responsibility or had custody of this child. So, when we take over an investigation, we have to go back and look at what has already been documented, so time is of the essence,” Quirk said.

Additional Allegations of Abuse

Court documents also reveal that Rowland and Denton's other children reported enduring multiple instances of abuse and witnessing abuse on London. A 15-year-old told police he saw Denton hit London with a wooden paddle and shoot a BB gun at her. The teenager also reported being duct-taped to a chair and hit with a belt, with Denton threatening to kill him if he told police and to make him disappear.

An 8-year-old interviewed by police in March said she witnessed physical abuse on London and was sexually abused by Denton. Despite these revelations, police are still searching for London Kerr, who remains missing and endangered.

Ongoing Search Efforts

Police have not disclosed any specific area where they believe London might be. However, they continue to rely on public tips and new information to aid in their search. “We get a lot of answers in some cases with tips, or new information that we receive with the public’s help,” Quirk said.

The case has drawn attention due to the serious allegations of abuse and the long-term disappearance of a young child. Authorities emphasize the importance of time in such investigations, as the longer a child is missing, the more challenging it becomes to locate them.

Continued Public Engagement

The community remains engaged in the search for London. Local law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information to come forward. While the case is complex and involves multiple parties, the focus remains on finding London and ensuring her safety.

As the investigation continues, the public is encouraged to stay informed and support the efforts of law enforcement in locating the missing child. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in such critical situations.