BAD GRANDMA: Grandma Poses as CYFD Employee to Find Grandchild, Abducts Kid in Pick Up Line at APS School

Albuquerque –

On September 18th, 2026, an Amber Alert made cell phones go off with an alert saying a 6-year-old boy was missing and in danger. They identified his grandma, 66-year-old Marie Esquibel as the abductor. The child and Esquibel were found last night by the Albuquerque Police Department with help of federal partners.

According to the criminal complaint, Esquibel is not legally allowed to have the child in her custody due to a previous incident where the child tested positive for drugs in the care of Esquibel.

On September 16th, she called the boy’s previous school and posed as a CYFD employee to find out where he went to school. She gained the highly confidential information and was told about an elementary in Northwest Albuquerque.

The complaint goes to say, Esquibel showed up to the school and spoke with teachers. She convinced them to let the child go with her and an unknown male. Just like that, the child was abducted and started a mass scramble to find the child. APD received many sightings from concerned citizens of Esquibel and the child. Eventually, she was taken into custody for the abduction.

We reached out to Albuquerque Public Schools on what protocols are in place to prevent people to get information about students and secure pick ups for students. We have not heard back from APS, but will update the story if they do provide a statement.

Esquibel was charged with kidnapping and child endangerment. The unknown male was not identified.

PSA from ABQ RAW. Have honest conversations with your child’s school/extra curricular activities on who should be allowed to take child from location. Furthermore, talk to your child about safety in these situations.