UPDATE: Dakota Blackwood has been located safe, according to Michigan State Police officials. Police arrested the baby’s mom, Ilah Mankel, in connection with parental kidnapping. Mankel’s mother, Linda Mankel, was arrested for unrelated charges, according to police.
HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Michigan State Police issued an Amber Alert for a 12-day-old girl, Dakota Blackwood, who they believe is in the company of her mother, Ilah May Mankel and her grandparents, Linda Marie Mankel and Bryan David Mankel.
There is a Protective Custody Order on the baby, to remove her from the Mankels’ custody. The Markels are aware of the order and absconded with the child, according to police, who also believe Linda Mankel is a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan — the statement from police to media indicated the family may be staying in the Mt. Pleasant area.
Anyone with any information about their whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Michigan State Police at 616-866-4411.
