UPDATE: Kellie Edwards Diggs was arrested by the NOPD on November 20 in connection with this incident. She was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for interference with custody of a child. Diggs was also arrested on a warrant for simple battery in connection with an unrelated incident.

The juvenile female Melanie Edwards was also located, found to be in good health and released to the custody of her legal guardian.

ORIGINAL RELEASE: The NOPD is seeking the public’s assistance with locating an adult female wanted for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old juvenile female in an incident that occurred on November 17, 2018 in the 3400 block of Audubon Court.

On November 17, Kellie Edwards Diggs (DOB: 08-18-1992) – the birth mother of Melanie Edwards (DOB: 11-19-2015) –  requested permission from the legal guardian for Edwards to spend the night at Diggs’ home, under the agreed-upon condition that Diggs return the child on November 18. It should be noted that Diggs has no custodial rights to Edwards.

When the guardian attempted to pick up Edwards on November 18, Diggs reportedly discontinued all contact with the guardian by turning off her cellphone and blocking her from social media. The guardian did not have any other way to contact Diggs, and requested assistance from the NOPD. A warrant was obtained for Diggs’ arrest for interference with the custody of a child.

A photo of Edwards is included with this release. A photo of Diggs was not available.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of wanted suspect Kellie Edwards Diggs or juvenile Melanie Edwards is asked to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.