On the morning of Friday, December 13, 2024, an AMBER Alert was issued in Little Rock, Arkansas, for 11-month-old Khamari Key, whose disappearance has gripped the local community and drawn nationwide concern. The Arkansas State Police released a detailed account of the events leading to the alert, identifying the suspect as 22-year-old Grover JackKellum Key III, who is alleged to have taken the child following a heated altercation with the child’s mother. The case escalated further when the suspect attempted to strike the mother with the stolen vehicle but instead injured an innocent bystander. Authorities continue to search for both the child and the suspect as the hours tick by, increasing the urgency of the rescue effort.
The incident began in the early hours of Friday morning, when the child’s mother, whose name has not yet been released to the public for privacy reasons, reported that an argument with Grover Key, believed to be a relative or close acquaintance, had turned physical. According to the mother’s statement to law enforcement, the confrontation unfolded in the parking lot of a convenience store in a residential neighborhood of Little Rock. Khamari, who was secured in a car seat in the back of the family vehicle, was present during the argument. The situation escalated when the mother exited the vehicle, reportedly to de-escalate the confrontation and seek assistance from nearby witnesses. In a shocking turn of events, Key allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off with the child still in the backseat.
Eyewitness accounts corroborate the mother’s version of events. Local resident Sharon Whitfield, who was present at the scene, recounted to reporters the chaos that erupted in the parking lot. “I heard shouting and turned to see a man yelling at a woman near a car,” Whitfield said. “She stepped out of the car, and that’s when he got in and just drove off. It was terrifying because you could hear her screaming that her baby was still in the car.” Moments after fleeing the scene, Key reportedly attempted to drive back toward the mother, allegedly aiming the vehicle at her in what law enforcement officials have described as an intentional act. The mother managed to evade the vehicle, but in the process, Key struck an uninvolved pedestrian. The victim, a 47-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The stolen vehicle, a 2019 gray Honda Accord with Arkansas license plates, became the focal point of an extensive search operation. Local law enforcement agencies, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police, immediately issued a Be On The Lookout (BOLO) alert, describing the car, the suspect, and the missing child. The AMBER Alert, a nationwide emergency notification system designed to mobilize public assistance in locating abducted children, was activated shortly thereafter. The alert included a detailed description of Khamari Key: a Black infant with brown eyes and curly black hair, last seen wearing a pink onesie with white polka dots. The alert also provided information about Grover Key, described as a 5’10” Black man with a slender build, last seen wearing a gray hoodie and black jeans.
As news of the abduction spread, the community rallied in support of the search effort. Volunteers organized impromptu search parties, canvassing nearby neighborhoods and distributing flyers with photos of the missing child and suspect. Social media platforms were inundated with posts sharing the AMBER Alert and urging anyone with information to come forward. Local businesses, including gas stations and grocery stores, displayed the alert on their digital signs to maximize visibility. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Pastor James Whitfield, who hosted a prayer vigil for Khamari’s safe return at a local church. “We’re praying for her safety and for strength for her family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Meanwhile, investigators continued to piece together the events leading up to the abduction. Law enforcement sources have revealed that Grover Key has a history of run-ins with the law, including prior charges of domestic violence and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Court records indicate that he was released on probation earlier this year after serving a six-month sentence for a misdemeanor assault conviction. The relationship between Key and Khamari’s mother remains a subject of investigation, with authorities exploring the possibility that the abduction may have been premeditated. “We’re looking into all angles, including whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern of behavior,” said Lieutenant Mark Ellison of the Little Rock Police Department.
The search for the missing child took a significant turn late Friday afternoon when the stolen Honda Accord was discovered abandoned in a wooded area near Pinnacle Mountain State Park, approximately 20 miles west of the abduction site. Forensic teams were dispatched to examine the vehicle for evidence, including fingerprints and DNA samples, that could provide clues to Key’s whereabouts. Preliminary findings suggest that the car had been hastily abandoned, with the doors left unlocked and the engine still warm. However, there was no sign of Khamari or Key at the scene. “This discovery is both a breakthrough and a source of concern,” said Captain Angela Ruiz of the Arkansas State Police. “While we’re relieved to have located the vehicle, the absence of the child raises questions about what may have transpired after the car was abandoned.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Key or Khamari immediately. “Time is of the essence in cases like this,” said Sergeant Linda Hawkins, a spokesperson for the AMBER Alert program in Arkansas. “The longer a child remains missing, the greater the risk to their safety. We’re asking everyone to keep an eye out and to contact law enforcement with any information, no matter how minor it may seem.” The hotline established for tips has received dozens of calls, but so far, none have led to a breakthrough in the case.
The disappearance of Khamari Key has reignited broader discussions about child safety and the effectiveness of the AMBER Alert system. While the system has been credited with saving hundreds of lives since its inception, critics argue that its success is often contingent on factors such as the speed of its activation and the public’s willingness to engage. “Every second counts in cases of child abduction,” said Dr. Emily Harris, a criminologist specializing in missing persons cases. “The faster the alert is issued, the more likely it is that the child will be found safe. Public awareness and cooperation are crucial components of the system’s success.” The case has also prompted calls for increased resources for domestic violence prevention and intervention programs, as many abductions involve a history of domestic disputes.
As the hours turn into days, the community of Little Rock remains on edge, united in hope and determination to bring Khamari home safely. Candlelight vigils have been planned for the weekend, with organizers emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective action. “This is a time for us to come together as a community,” said Maria Lopez, a local activist. “We need to support Khamari’s family and show them that they’re not alone in this fight.” For Khamari’s mother, the anguish of her child’s disappearance is compounded by the uncertainty of what lies ahead. “All I want is to hold my baby again,” she told reporters through tears. “I won’t rest until she’s back in my arms.”
As of the latest updates, the search for Khamari Key and Grover JackKellum Key III remains ongoing. Authorities have pledged to continue their efforts tirelessly, utilizing every available resource to ensure the child’s safe return. The case has drawn national attention, with celebrities and public figures amplifying the AMBER Alert on their platforms in a bid to reach as many people as possible. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the resolve of those involved in the search remains unshaken. “We won’t stop until we bring Khamari home,” said Chief Investigator Robert Hayes. “She deserves nothing less than our absolute best.
