Kendal Guilford and her child’s father never made a formal custody agreement. She and her 3-year-old daughter, Wednesday, left for a walk on November 19, 2025, but didn’t return in a timely manner. Phoenix police issued a missing person alert for the mother and child, but because the family never involved the court system, this was a civil matter, not criminal. Thankfully, authorities located Wednesday safely after a two-day search. The story raises concerns about the importance of child custody.
The Phoenix Police Department posted an alert on X asking for help locating Guilford and her daughter.
“Detectives are looking for 3yo Wednesday Guilford. She was last seen with her biological mother 32yo Kendal Guilford near 44th St. and Baseline Rd. walking a black French Bulldog,” the post reads.
Detectives are looking for 3yo Wednesday Guilford. She was last seen with her biological mother 32yo Kendal Guilford near 44th St. and Baseline Rd. walking a black French Bulldog. If seen call 602-262-6151 pic.twitter.com/mbWIAhW6JZ
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) November 21, 2025
Phoenix Police Department Sergeant Brian Bower told ABC News prior to the pair being found that Guilford did not break the law.
“This case does not involve any criminal nature and there is no custody documentation. Because there is no formal court paperwork for custody, and mom does not have a place to live, family members are worried for Wednesday’s welfare. This is more of a civil issue with detectives concerned for Wednesday’s welfare,” he explained.
Bower alleged that Guilford uses drugs and does not have a stable home life., frequently moving from place to place.
“Mom is known to be homeless. She stays at friends’ houses, here and there. Dad was staying with the kid. Dad invited mom back over,” he said, according to ABC News. “Mom’s known to use drugs, so Dad’s like, ‘Hey, if you want to come over!’ Dad leaves the house for a little bit — when he gets back with other family members, the mom is gone with the daughter.”
Bower said the mother was “not going to get arrested” if they located Wednesday.
Phoenix police updated the public on November 21 with good news.
“3-year-old Wednesday has been located safe. She has been reunited with her family. Detectives thank everyone for their support and help during this investigation,” reads a statement on X.
Involving the courts in custody matters costs money, time, and effort, but it is truly in the children’s best interest to ensure their safety. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. But if Guilford really has an unstable life that involves drug use, we don’t want to think about what could have happened to poor Wednesday.
