Amber Alert Issued for Missing Infant in Los Angeles
Authorities are searching for a 9-month-old girl last seen in the Westlake district this past Monday.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Babies
An Amber Alert is in effect for a 9-month-old girl abducted in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. Authorities are asking the public for assistance after the infant was last seen with a 29-year-old woman on Monday.
Why it matters
The Amber Alert system is a critical tool for law enforcement and local families, using coordinated public notification to help locate endangered children. This alert was activated by the California Highway Patrol to support ongoing efforts by the Torrance Police Department.
The missing 9-month-old girl, Nylah Austin, is 18 inches tall and weighs 15 pounds. The suspect, 29-year-old Kennisha Austin, is described as 5 feet tall and weighing 100 pounds.
The players
California Highway Patrol
The state law enforcement agency responsible for managing and activating Amber Alert notifications across California.
Torrance Police Department
The local municipal law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the abduction.
The details
The Amber Alert system functions through a partnership between law enforcement agencies and media broadcasters to quickly disseminate information to the public. The California Highway Patrol activated this specific alert on behalf of the Torrance Police Department to facilitate the search in the Westlake area.
Timeline
Monday: Nylah Austin was last seen.
Wednesday: Amber Alert remains in effect.
The Home Front
The Amber Alert emergency response system provides a standardized protocol for local agencies to trigger rapid public notification during abduction cases. This activation follows established regional procedures to coordinate law enforcement efforts and public safety alerts.
Residents in the Westlake area and beyond should remain vigilant for the individuals described in the active alert. If you have information regarding their location, please contact local law enforcement authorities immediately.
The takeaway
The Amber Alert system relies on community awareness to assist in the safe recovery of children during critical time windows. Keep an eye on local public safety updates and report any relevant information to the police as soon as possible.
Further reading
For more information on local safety resources, visit the Los Angeles Babies section.
