When a child goes missing, it is a terrifying experience. So many things could happen. We’ve heard lots of stories about kids who disappear that have devastating outcomes. Many times when we learn about kids who go missing, their abductor is one of their parents. This makes things even more complicated and scary. Recently, a young boy went missing in Southern California, and the person who took him was his dad.
King Darius Lozada probably had no idea what was happening when his dad took him and disappeared. The good thing is, he has now been found safe.
Police were alerted and quickly shared information.
MISSING CHILD / PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED
— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) May 7, 2026
The Santa Monica Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating King Darius Lozada, 7, who was last seen with his father, Darius Clay Jackson, 55, on May 5, 2026, at approximately 6:50 p.m.
King was last seen traveling… pic.twitter.com/I9hmBBntKS
According to a news release from the Santa Monica Police Department posted to social media, the 7-year-old boy was last seen about 6:50 p.m. on May 5, 2026. He and his father, Darius Clay Jackson, were in an alley and could have possibly been traveling north. They were either on a scooter or on foot.
Police described King as 4 feet tall and weighing 85 pounds. He was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and light blue sweatpants. His 55-year-old father was described as being 6-foot-3, weighing 220 pounds. He was wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and white shoes.
“King may be at risk. Darius Clay Jackson may be experiencing a mental health crisis,” police shared in the news release.
Thankfully, people jumped into action.
Many people commented on the police department’s news release, offering their hopes that the boy would make it home safely.
“Praying for his safe return home,” one person wrote. “Please let this innocent, beautiful child go home to his mama. 🙏,” another comment read.
“Oh dear Lord I pray this little boy is found safe and sound. He used to be in my daughter’s class 🙏🏼,” someone else wrote.
Another local mom shared the post, alerting the community to King’s disappearance. Apparently, he attends the same school as her child, and she hoped that people might know him and could possibly have leads.
Less than 24 hours after posting the bulletin, police shared a positive update.
“The missing child, King Darius Lozada, has been located and is safe. The parent/suspect, Darius Clay Jackson, remains in police custody,” an update to the news release announced.
“The Santa Monica Police Department thanks the community, our law enforcement partners, and everyone who shared the information and remained alert as officers worked to locate King,” the release added.
Police also announced that they wouldn’t share any additional information about the case.
“That goodness it turned out well!” someone commented on the post.
“Thank God!” another person wrote.
According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, King was found in the city of Hawthorne by Santa Monica police officers on May 6. His father was taken into police custody without incident. “Investigators say the incident stemmed from a child custody dispute between King’s mother and Jackson,” the outlet reported.
Again, no additional details have been given. I’m just grateful that King was found safely and is now home with his mom.
