Mother abducts two children from foster care in Los Angeles
- Two young boys, Jaden Hernandez and Derek Rodriguez-Hernandez, were reported missing in Los Angeles.
- Their mother, Jackeline Hernandez-Torres, is believed to have abducted them from their foster care home.
- A California Amber Alert has been issued as the police seek help from the public to locate the children.
In Los Angeles, California, two young boys were reported missing early Thursday morning, August 21, 2025. The Los Angeles Police Department stated that 10-year-old Jaden Hernandez and 2-year-old Derek Alejandro Rodriguez-Hernandez were last seen around 1:30 a.m. at their foster care home located in the 300 block of South Virgil Avenue. Investigators suspect that their biological mother, Jackeline Hernandez-Torres, who does not have custody of the children, may have abducted them during the early hours. She is believed to have fled the location with her sons, prompting the issuance of a California Amber Alert for their safe return. While initial reports indicate the possibility that the children were taken towards South Los Angeles, concerns are mounting regarding their well-being as they are considered critical missing persons. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the family may have been seen in the vicinity of the 1500 block of East 52nd Street shortly after the abduction. Authorities describe Jackeline as a 30-year-old Hispanic female, standing about five feet tall and weighing around 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie and dark sweatpants. Both boys were also noted to be wearing dark clothing, with Jaden described as having black hair and brown eyes, whereas Derek has red hair. Law enforcement emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging anyone with information on the boys' whereabouts or the suspect vehicle—a black 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser with Indiana license plate DFT105—to contact 911 or reach out to Lieutenant Ku from the LAPD Olympic Division at (213) 382-9460. Despite efforts to locate the missing family, recent searches, including searches of recreational vehicles based on tips, have not yielded any leads. This incident underscores the complexities frequently associated with custodial issues, especially when biological parents attempt to regain contact with their children outside of legal frameworks. Law enforcement agencies are mobilized to secure the boys' safety and seek further assistance from the public as they work to resolve this concerning case.