Houston Police Department
Two Children and Babysitter Found Unharmed

December 18, 2014 - Two children and their babysitter last seen at a Walgreens pharmacy at 14616 Memorial Drive about 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 17) have been located unharmed.

Investigators found the three inside a residence about 10:40 a.m. today.

That is all the updated information available at this time pending an interview with the babysitter.

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The children, Auraya Sheperd, 2, and her brother, Trae Israel, 7, were with their babysitter, Laura Ross, 47. Several pictures, including surveillance photos of all three while inside the Walgreens, are attached to this news release.

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When the parents of the children returned home about 2 a.m., Ms. Ross and the kids were not there. Ross' van was found outside the Walgreens about 4 a.m. Investigators learned Ross and the children had gone into the Walgreens and were last seen there about 10:30 p.m. No witnesses have come forward with information regarding the whereabouts of Ross and the children.

Trae was last seen wearing an orange shirt, blue jeans, and white and black shoes. Auraya was wearing a pink night gown with no shoes. Ms. Ross was wearing a light blue or gray long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and a pink or light colored camo baseball cap.

At this time, there is not enough evidence in this investigation that meets the criteria for an Amber Alert to be issued.

JFC/JKS 12-18-14
Inc #160584314

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.